’s
August 7, 2015 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 / City Form Loan Agreement
Dr. Old Joins SCKMC Board
The Ark City City Commission approved an agreement to transfer funds to cover a shortfall for the hospital’s $1.2 million bond payment. Holly Harper, CFO made the request during Tuesday night’s meeting. “We have cash of $866,000 to apply to the bond payment so we are seeking an additional $300,000 from the City,” Harper said. Harper has been working closely with City staff, including City Manager Nick Hernandez. “We have been working on it for a while. We have been kind of wanting to see how successful the hospital would be at potentially bridging that gap. The hospital has had a lot of good things happen to it in the last several months. Their employees are really doing their best to help the hospital,” Hernandez said. Harper outlined several of the most recent projects for the commission, including sole community hospital status, 340B pharmacy program, and rural health clinic status. These programs, along with savings from radiology equipment coming off of debt service, are estimated to bring in $1.8 million next year. Commissioner Brandon Every supported the request and expressed his pleasure with the progress being made. “I know it’s been a struggle for you guys, and I’m sure it doesn’t feel good, but you guys have done a lot in the last 180 days to turn the hospital around. I’m quite tickled compared to where I was a year ago,” Every said.
Dr. Jerry Old was sworn in as the newest member to serve on the SCKMC Board of Trustees during their July meeting. Dr. Old currently works as a consultant for healthcare organizations, and spent many years as family medicine physician at the Ark City Clinic. Dr. Old was appointed by the City Commission to serve a four-year term, and is taking the seat vacated by Lance Niles.
The Doctor “Roboto” Will See You Now “Dr. Roboto,” the new telemedicine technology allowing patients and nursing staff remote access to physicians 24-hours a day, is now being used to admit patients to the medical center’s med/surg and ICU departments. The service officially began on Monday, but the community had an opportunity to see the equipment during several live demonstrations held on July 30th. Close to 100 people in total attended the sessions which were presented by Dr. Brian Hunt with Sunflower Telehospitalists LLC. Dr. Hunt is one of three hospitalist physicians who are now interacting with SCKMC patients and staff through Dr. Roboto. Pictured: Dr. Hunt demonstrates the new telemedicine equipment during a open house.
Employee of the Month Congratulations Riley Stegman, Medical Technologist with the Laboratory, for being named the SCKMC Exceptional Service Award winner for the month of August. Riley was nominated by his team leader for taking on additional responsibilities within the department. He was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Lead Laboratory Tech Lois Faber, and will have a special parking spot reserved for him throughout August. If you would like to nominate someone for next month's award or view all of our past exceptional service nominees, visit us at www.sckmc.org.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. With the sun high in the sky this summer, be aware that some medications cause a reaction to ultraviolet rays called photosensitivity. Photosensitivity can cause rashes, fever, fatigue, joint pain, and other symptoms This can be triggered by people taking tetracyclines, sulfonamides, quinolones, and thiazides. It is recommended to avoid sunlight, however this is not always possible. If going outside use a broad spectrum sunscreen which would cover UVA and UVB. If you are using a photoactive topical, wait about 15-30 minutes before applying sunscreen. If a drug reaction were to occur, use a cold compress or topical steroid depending on the severity. Also talk to your prescriber to see if there are any alternatives or ask if the dose can be lowered to help minimize symptoms.
Register Online Today!
Saturday, August 29th – Patterson Park, Arkansas City SCKMC has partnered with professional race organizers for event registration and timing of an
"extreme obstacle" style race. The 5K (3.1 miles) with 12 obstacles race will be unlike any other event in the area. • Food & Beverage Vendors • Entertainment for all ages • Free spectator area The funds raised will benefit South Central Kansas Medical Center and our mission to serve within the community. All money raised will be used as the foundation for growth and development of the services we provide, such as equipment purchases, physician recruitment, and program enhancement.
www.sckmc.org to register or for more information Obstacle photos are representative only. Obstacles are subject to change without notice
.