’s
May 27, 2016 edition
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
Sales Tax Passes The SCKMC sales tax initiative appears to have passed with an eighty-percent approval rating. However, official results for the one-percent sales tax will not be available until June 2nd. The tax increase, which has preliminary votes of 1,885 for and 467 against, has been discussed for the last several months as a way to guarantee the majority of the hospital’s $1.9 million annual bond payment related to the costs of construction of a new facility which opened in 2011. “This will put us in a position to be able to catch up on our vendors. It will give us security knowing that the bond payment, the building, will be paid for, for at least the next ten years. And give us an opportunity to actually have reserves, and grow those reserves over the years so that we can guarantee payment for the rest of the life of the bonds,” said Holly Harper, SCKMC’s Chief Financial Officer. Since March hospital staff and volunteers have held public meetings, and gone door-to-door to inform the public about the hospital’s current financial situation and what the plan is to correct it. “All of the employees and volunteers that we had that took leaflets around, Clayton Pappan, standing tall for the hospital through twenty-plus presentations, all of the management support from Holly (Harper), Jane (Campbell), and all of those who attended those meetings. I think all of them should receive great congratulations for a job well done,” said Virgil Watson, SCKMC’s Chief Executive Officer. Clayton Pappan, SCKMC’s Chief Operations Officer, led the sales tax community outreach program. “The community overwhelmingly supported this sales tax because they understood the value that having a local hospital brings to all of us. We, as a hospital staff, can’t thank those who voted in favor of the tax enough. You have placed your faith in this organization, and we plan to do everything possible to earn it,” Pappan said. Watson also thanked the City of Arkansas City for their support throughout the election process. However, Watson made it clear that the sales tax was just a starting point for the hospital to begin rebuilding its finances. “We have a lot of work to do. A lot of things to accomplish, but at least we won’t have to worry about paying the bonds. I think it will make all of the difference in the world moving forward. The revenue that we need in order to support the rest of the operations, that is what we have to focus on now,” Watson said.
SCKMC Celebrates Staff Anniversaries SCKMC held its annual “Years of Service” luncheon on May 11th as part of the medical center’s National Hospital Week celebration. National Hospital Week is considered to be the nation’s largest healthcare event, celebrating the efforts of the hospital team and the care they provide. SCKMC’s service luncheon is an invitation only event held for individuals within the organization who are celebrating a milestone anniversary in 2016. The event is attended by honorees from all departments, as well as team leaders and hospital administration. SCKMC’s Chief Executive Officer, Virgil Watson, addressed those in attendance. “I always look at our employees as our biggest asset. What you do for our hospital, and all of the patients that we have come through, is just phenomenal. I appreciate all of you, and all that you do,” Watson said. Honorees are presented with achievement pins by their department manager commemorating the number years they have been employed at the medical center. The following members were recognized for their service: Chantiel Barron, Med/Surg (5); Katrenia Beane, Radiology (5); Kara Parks, ER (5); Sandra Picconatto, Radiology (5); Racquel Szabo, Specialty Clinic (5); Karen Zumwalt, Same Day Surgery (5); Michelle Belindo, Materials Management (10); Heather Judd, Nursing Services (10); Barbara Smith, Med/Surg (10); Clayton Pappan, Administration (15); Patricia Henderson, Environmental Services, (20). John Jones, SCKMC’s Senior Administrator for Patient Services, thanked the honorees for their dedicated service. “The attitude that you bring to work every day is infectious. You share it with others and lead by example. That’s how you get to enjoy longevity, you begin each day with the correct attitude, and the correct set of priorities, and it is so deeply appreciated,” Jones said.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of disease and death in the U.S. This year, the FDA has ruled that Tobacco products will be subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Which means the FDA has authority over products that meet the definition of a tobacco product. With consumer protection in mind, they will be able to review new products, prevent misleading claims, evaluate the ingredients in products, and communicate risks to consumers.
Now Offering After Hours Services
620-442-4850
515 N. Summit, Ark City
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www.sckclinic.com
Monday 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m. to Noon
• After hours services are walk-in only, no appointments taken. • Services will be offered to patients on first come, first serve availability and limited to the time frame listed above. Depending upon the number of patients, it may not be possible to see every patient presenting that day. • All follow up activities will only be scheduled during normal business hours (8a-5p Mon-Fri) this includes prescription refills, nurse calls, and scheduling of on going appointments. Those in need of immediate medical attention should seek care at the South Central Kansas Medical Center Emergency Department or contact 9-1-1.