’s
April 4, 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 Seeks “Recruitment Tax”
County Health/Safety Fair This Saturday
It’s been five years since the citizens of Arkansas City approved a one-half cent sales to assist in the construction of the new facility, a medical office building, and several new equipment purchases. With those goals accomplished, the SCKMC Board of Trustees is asking the City to allow a vote during the August primary election for a new ten-year, onehalf cent sales tax to be used for physician recruitment. During a recent City Commission work session, SCKMC staff were asked to explain the need for an additional tax. They responded with a view that the need to expand local physician services is critical for the overall health of the community. A recent study published by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute shows Cowley County has one primary care physician for every 2,134 patients, compared to the State average of one physician for every 1,380 patients. Contributing to this is the fact that Ark City has lost three family practice physicians in recent years. Hospital staff are currently working with area physician clinics to actively recruit more doctors into the area. "We are hopeful of being able to attract additional doctors either to one of our local clinics or to the hospital. We need more doctors with specialties like family practice, internal medicine, or pediatrics; that's probably our single biggest need in terms of growth," said Steve Perkins, SCKMC’s Chief Executive Officer. However, growing trends suggest physicians are reluctant to join the traditional physician owned clinic model. In a 2011 survey of final year medical residents, physician recruitment firm Merritt Hawkins reported 32% of the residents polled indicated they would prefer to be employed by a hospital than any other option. The preference to work for a hospital is up significantly from the 2001 figure of 3%. According to the American Medical Association roughly 42% of physicians are now employed in some manner versus owning their own practices. This is a figure that has almost doubled over the past decade. Funds raised by the sales tax would support recruitment of full-time, hospital employed physicians as well as help to cover the initial start-up costs of establishing their practices. Perkins stresses that both past and future successes for the hospital are tied directly to local backing. “Our investment in the future of the Cowley community is significant. We all realize we would not be here today if not for the support of our community. As we look for ways to continue to grow and thrive, we need that continued effort,” Perkins said.
The annual Cowley County Health & Safety Fair will be held this Saturday, April 5th at the Winfield Fair Grounds from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. SCKMC will be among more than 50 exhibitors providing a variety of wellness information. This free event will include live demonstrations, car seat safety checks, interactive exhibits, a vehicle petting zoo, and a family activity center that will feature games and story times. For more information about this event visit them on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CowleyCountyHealthFair.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. Did you know that anyone traveling by air or land may be at risk for blood clots? Sitting down for long periods of time (4 hours or more) may lead to clots in the deep veins of the legs. Even though the chances are very slim, it is important to know the signs and symptoms and to know whether you are at risk. About half of all people who develop a clot present with no symptoms at all. Signs and symptoms can include: swelling of your leg; unexplained pain; skin warm to the touch; redness of the skin. The following may increase risk of clotting: 40 years of age or older; obesity; recent surgery; contraceptives; hormone replacement therapy; history of clots; active cancer; limited mobility. Protect yourself by frequently moving your legs or exercising your calf muscles on long trips. If you are planning a vacation in the near future and think you are at risk, seek advice from your physician.
Employee of the Month Congratulations Sandra Bruster LPN, Med/Surg Unit, for being named the SCKMC Exceptional Service Award winner for the month of April! Sandra was nominated by her coworkers for going above and beyond in assisting them and caring for her patients If you would like to nominate someone for next month's award visit us at www.sckmc.org.
6401 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City
When It’s About More Than Just Your Health. .
Dr. Perry Lin – OB/GYN
Dr. Lin is Ark City’s first full-time obstetrician and gynecologist, with a sub-specialty in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. He provides a full range of women’s health services including advanced laparoscopic surgery.
• Obstetrics • Infertility • Gynecology • High Risk Pregnancy • Women’s Health • Laparoscopic Surgery Now accepting new patients through SCKMC’s specialty clinic. No referral needed!*
To find out more call or visit us online.
Scheduler: 620-441- 5711 www.sckmc.org
Our LDRP Family Birthing Center - A Suite Way to Start
*Insurance requirements may vary based upon individual plans.