’s
June 24, 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.
City Commission Approves Consultant
AC Library Partners with Dietary Dept.
The Ark City Commission voted this week to approve up to $175,000 for Quorum Health Resources to perform a financial and operations study for SCKMC. The strategic, financial and operations evaluation is mandated through the construction bond for the new hospital. “When the 2015 audit is finalized we will not meet our debt service requirements, as required by the debt covenants for the bond. Essentially what that means is we have to have enough bottom line to cover our debt payments which is a one to one ratio. The covenants kick in and say we have to have a consulting group come in and analyze not only our financial situation but our situation as a whole,” said Holly Harper, SCKMC’s Chief Financial Officer. Quorum will assess the hospital’s current status over a 90day period and identify options to re-establish compliance with its bond covenants. The company is able to accomplish the assessment on a shortened timetable, compared to other studies, as a result of their ongoing relationship with SCKMC. “They already have a lot of our information, not just financially but also how we operate. They are helping us in changing South Central Kansas Clinic into a rural health clinic, and they worked with us on our 340B pharmacy project,” Harper said. Quorum not only consults health care facilities but also manages a number across the county, including Coffeyville and Neosho here in Kansas. Virgil Watson, SCKMC’s CEO, emphasized that the study will compare best practices and may include the reassignment of some duties within the facility, but does not anticipate a reduction in staff. “They are not going to come in and try to tell us that we need to get rid of people. It is very seldom that is the people who are the problem in these situations. We have good people. Our people are working hard and doing everything they can to try and do their part for making sure our operation works as efficiently and effectively as possible. But there may be different ways of doing what we are doing that could be more efficient. Watson is looking forward to the study, and is confident that the end result will be positive for the hospital. “I think this is going to be one of the best things that could have happened to SCKMC. I have my vision for what I think needs to be done but this will give us a detailed road map, prioritize the things that need to be done so that we know what can have the biggest impact for us as quickly as possible,” Watson said.
For months he Nutritional Services team at SCKMC has been trying new recipes and fine tuning their menu in order to provide food that is both nutritious and delicious. Now they are taking the upgrade to the next level. “Diane Ray, our Dietitian, and I have been talking about ways to improve our patient survey comments by making the trays that we send to the patients look better, and the food to taste better. We are really working on garnishes, and how the food looks. We want to make sure it is pleasing to the eye because people do eat with their eyes. When we do our menus we think about color scheme we try to make the plate look more colorful and not just have all yellows or all greens. It just makes your tray look better when you have all of those colors,” said Christine Hamm, SCKMC’s Dietary Manager. But the addition of color doesn’t stop with the food itself. Hamm has formed a partnership with the Arkansas City Public Library to brighten up the placemats for patient trays. “I was looking up the cost of decorative tray papers and the prices are just outrageous. As I was thinking about how this might work, the library just popped into my head. I called Gail (Palmer, Children’s Librarian at the Arkansas City Public Library) and asked if she had a group of kids who would like to do some coloring,” Hamm said. Palmer oversees a class at the library every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. for story time and an art group that meets on Thursdays. Most of the artists are under the age of seven, but a teen group that meets at the library will soon begin decorating place mats also. In addition, the Auxiliary volunteers have been helping with their artistic talents during their spare time at the hospital information desk. “The kids just really seem to enjoy it and I know the patients love it. I spoke to some of the patients just a couple of days ago. One lady had a butterfly drawn on the corner of her placemat and she didn’t want me to take her tray because she wanted her butterfly, so I left that part with her. She said that’s too pretty to throw away,” Hamm said.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. The FDA is warning consumers about certain OTC antacids containing aspirin, stating there may be a risk of serious bleeding when used. Risk of bleeding increases if you are 60 years or older, have history of bleeding problems, taking blood thinning medicine or other NSAID's, or consuming 3 or more alcoholic drinks daily. Always follow the directions.
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.