’s
March 21, 2014 edition
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
SCKMC Celebrates Third Anniversary 17th
March marked three years since SCKMC opened the doors to a new facility. During that time the medical center has accomplished several of their original goals for growth of local healthcare, in-spite of dramatic changes in the healthcare industry during that time. Steve Perkins, SCKMC’s CEO, believes several changes made nationally have ultimately had a negative impact on the hospital’s bottom line. He cited several examples including the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, and significant cuts to hospitals Medicare and Medicaid funding. “Although the challenges facing the industry are as intimidating as ever, we feel like we are very well situated in terms of the facilities and programs we have to offer here and now just need to continue to grow. There are a lot of exciting things happening in this community and we want to be right there with that excitement," Perkins said. SCKMC plans to continue to expand physician services locally. Hospital administrators are currently working with area physician clinics to actively recruit more doctors into the area. For now, the growth of physicians and services that has already taken place has led to hospital stats that shatter any records held prior to the move. “The hospital recorded its highest patient census ever in January of 2013 and has had several months with very high census since the move. Outpatient procedures have surpassed all previous records,” stated Holly Harper, SCKMC’s Chief Financial Officer. (Pictured: Holly Harper, CFO serves Heather Judd, RN a cupcake to celebrate SCKMC’s third anniversary.)
Senator Moran Tours Hospital Senator Jerry Moran made a brief visit to SCKMC on Tuesday, taking time to meet with hospital staff, Board members, and local citizens. Senator Moran is considered a proponent of rural healthcare and stated that he believes healthcare centers are the “backbones” of the State’s small communities. The Senator has taken the time to visit every hospital in Kansas, last visiting SCKMC in 2010. As this was Senator Moran’s first trip to the new facility, he along with members of his staff were given a tour led by CEO, Steve Perkins. (Pictured:) Steve Perkins introduces Senator Moran to Board members Slade Griffiths and JoLynn Foster.
Retirement Reception Set for Dr. Siwek Dr. Christopher Siwek, orthopedic surgeon, has announced that Tuesday, March 25th will be his final day of seeing patients at SCKMC. A retirement reception will be held that day from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the hospital’s front lobby. The public is welcome to attend the come-and-go event. Born and raised in Poland, Dr. Siwek came to the USA in 1972 and completed his Orthopedic Residency at the New Jersey College of Medicine. He has been in private practice since 1978, and began practicing at SCKMC in 2004. After joining the hospital’s staff, Dr. Siwek energized the surgery department and developed a large caseload. Steve Perkins, SCKMC’s CEO is grateful for all that Dr. Siwek has done for the medical center. “The community and hospital greatly benefited from his deep concern for our patients. Through the time he has practiced here he has demonstrated his commitment to the medical center’s staff and for our community. An example is the beautiful eagle sculpture he donated that sits in the lobby,” Perkins said. Those who cannot attend the reception for Dr. Siwek are encouraged to drop a card or note to SCKMC- Administration; PO BOX 1107; AC, KS 67005.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. Sometimes it can be hard to talk about the not so glorious parts of life, constipation is one. Many people self treat, turning to OTC laxatives such as sodium phosphate products (marketed under the brand name Fleet)to relieve symptoms. If used improperly these products can cause serious injury. The FDA issued a warning stating that using more than the recommended dose may lead to an electrolyte imbalance which can cause rare but serious kidney and heart injury or even death. Most cases of injury occurred after a single dose or more than one dose in a 24 hour period. Some population groups may be at higher risk of injury, these groups include young children, people older that 55 years of age, and patients that are dehydrated. It is very important for the consumer to follow the dosing instructions and heed the warnings stated on the Drug Facts label. Caregivers must seek advice from a healthcare professional before giving these products to young children.
Good nutrition starts with smart purchases. Learn how to make healthy food choices aisle by aisle during our FREE grocery store tours led by Registered Dietitian Diane Ray.
Each tour is designed to cover a different subject such as shopping for diabetics/ hearthealth, healthy eating for families on the go, and nutrition for seniors.
REGISTER TODAY for “Shopping for Diabetics/Heart Health� Tuesday, March 25th at 10:00 a.m.
Each tour is limited to no more than six participants.
Visit www.sckmc.org for more information including tour dates and reservations.
Find out more about our services at www.sckmc.org