’s
April 27, 2018
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
Board Looks to Continue Sales Tax
Staff Celebrate Lab Professionals Week
The SCKMC Board of Trustees unanimously approved Thursday to proceed with plans to extend a one-half cent sales tax currently set to expire in 2019. “The important part of our discussion is that the citizens of Arkansas City can understand why we need the half-cent sales tax and what the impact would be in the long haul for this community and the hospital,” Virgil Watson, CEO explained to the Board. Watson cited the growing amount of uncompensated care, partially driven by the State’s resistance to expand Medicaid as the major issue hampering the hospital’s ability to significantly improve the operations while also securing the bonded indebtedness tied to construction of the facility. “If we had expanded Medicaid, that’s about $1.7 million dollars (annually) that we aren’t getting. Therefore somebody has to make up that difference, unfortunately that pressure is put on the citizens of this community,” Watson said. City Commissioner Kanyon Gingher attended the meeting, and was in full support of extending the tax. “I believe overall, overwhelmingly, the citizens want their hospital. We already support the police department. We support the fire department. I believe healthcare, this hospital, is just another service that we provide for the quality of life and we should dedicate to it,” Gingher said. Board attorney Otis Morrow is working to finalize wording for the sales tax question so that it may be presented to the City Commission at their next meeting. It is the Board’s preference that the election be held by mail-in ballot prior to the August primary election.
There’s not much time to spare when you perform over 75,000 tests each year, but the SCKMC Lab team is taking a moment to celebrate this week. April 22-28 is National Laboratory Professionals Week, the annual celebration began provides an opportunity to increase public awareness for the U.S.’s 300,000 clinical laboratory personnel. “It’s important to celebrate so people know what we do. We are behind the scenes so no one really knows how much we are relied on. You almost need lab to diagnose anything, it’s needed for every aspect of care,” said Lois Faber, SCKMC’s Laboratory Manager and Lead Tech. Faber is a Medical Technologist (MT), also referred to as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS). She has over 35 years of experience, the last 29 being with the medical center. Other members of the team include: Cassie Crocker who is also a MT; Michelle “Shelby” Koller is a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT); Heather Parker, MLT; Sarah Hays, MLS; and Rachel Bazil, MLS. “We have a great staff. We have some very, very dedicated employees here. We do quite a bit of testing inhouse to make sure we are giving quality care to the patients on a timely basis,” Faber said.
Governor Tours SCKMC Governor Jeff Colyer visited SCKMC Saturday, taking the time to tour the facility and to specifically learn more about Cowley HealthwoRX, the hospital’s newest partnership offering direct primary care and wellness services to area employers as well as individuals. “This community has made a tremendous investment in this facility, and we’ll stand with you on that,” Governor Jeff Colyer said regarding South Central Kansas Medical Center during his visit Saturday. The Governor spent approximately 45-minutes on site, over twice the amount of time originally scheduled for his busy day. “I don’t think we could have asked for a better visit from the Governor. We were able to walk and talk as we toured the building. That was rewarding and worth the time spent,” said Virgil Watson, SCKMC’s Chief Executive Officer.
Martin Named Lifesaver of the Month Congratulations to Lucas Martin for being named the Integrity Healthcare Professionals Lifesaver of the Month. Lucas was nominated for his actions while responding to a “code blue.” When he arrived the patient was in cardiac arrest. The patient’s dentures had lodged into his throat , blocking his airway. Lucas was able to have the patient successfully intubated and stabilized for transport to SCKMC. Lucas Martin graduated from Cowley College in 2010 with an Associates Degree. He received his Kansas Paramedic Certification soon after. Lucas graduated from WSU in 2014 with a B.S. in Public Health.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place on April 28, 2018 from 10:00am until 2:00pm. This day allows the general public to dispose of prescription medication safely and anonymously. According to the DEA National Take Back website, the Cowley County Sheriff's Office and the Belle Plaine Police Department will host prescription drug collection sites. The previous collection day in October 2017, collected 456 tons of unwanted medications nationwide. Please take advantage of this opportunity to dispose of unwanted medications.
“When it comes to my health, I want someone specially trained to care for women.”
Dr. Perry Lin, OB/GYN Dr. Kent Winblad, OB/GYN • Obstetrics • Gynecology • Infertility • Women’s Health • High Risk Pregnancy • Laparoscopic Surgery Now accepting new patients. Call 620-221-6100 to schedule your appointment.
www.sckmc.org
(620) 442-2500
6401 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City
For your family’s healthcare, you want excellence. You want experienced doctors, dedicated nurses, up-to-date facilities and advanced technology. You’ll find them all here. Because we know your family’s healthcare, has to be the best.
Specialty Clinic 6403 Patterson Parkway, Ark City (620) 441-5711
WINFIELD MEDICAL ARTS A subsidiary of South Central Kansas Medical Center 3625 Quail Ridge Dr., Winfield (620) 221-6100
515 N. Summit, Ark City (620) 442-4850