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At last count, the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Auxiliary has sewn and donated 4,522 face masks to local and area healthcare providers, organizations and individuals.

And the number continues to grow.

The project began in mid-March when Melanie Urban approached the Auxiliary, asking if it could tackle a face-mask project. Urban is administrator at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus in Larned.

The answer was a resounding “yes.”

Barbara Hammond of Larned, a 12-year Auxiliary member, said that “initially, we were sewing masks for the hospital to supply to outpatients. This would help save medical masks for hospital personnel during the pandemic.”

However, the need for masks skyrocketed and the Auxiliary kept up the pace. More than a dozen other community organizations and many individuals have used the locally crafted face coverings.

“We knew that masks had been ordered but they were on back order because of COVID-19,” Hammond noted. “The public couldn’t find masks for their own protection and to help prevent spreading the virus to others. Our face-mask project helped protect our families, and the positive response from the community has been overwhelming.”

The Auxiliary donated fabric, interfacing, elastic and thread. Some members donated their personal “stashes” of material.

“When others in the community learned about the project, they also donated items from their mothers’ and grandmothers’ stashes,” Hammond said.

The recent Auxiliary report to Pawnee Valley Campus illustrates the amount of its donations in terms of expenses for fabric, labor and mileage. Auxiliary and in-kind contributions came to $12,713.50.

In addition to Pawnee Valley Campus, organizations that received masks include Larned State Hospital; Country Living ALF; Diversicare; Heart of Kansas Family Health Care; Smith Dental Clinic; Rosenberg Dental Clinic; Pawnee County Health Department; Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department; Larned Police Department; Jordaan Memorial Library; Housing Opportunities Inc.; Edwards County Hospital; and Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility.

Auxiliary members also provided masks to small businesses and families.

“We continue to make masks, but the demand has slowed,” added Hammond, who is past president of the Auxiliary and current District 6 coordinator for Hospital Auxiliaries of Kansas.

Participants in the project include Hammond, Joan Basgall, Dianne Connelly, Connie Fox, Cindy Perez, Mary Klinge, Melinda Axman, Celine Hall, Sherri Sallee, Opal Lucas, Lisa Holt, Beverly Prescott and Ann Hicks.

Bob Sallee pitched in to keep the sewing machines running in high gear.

“Auxiliary members have outdone themselves,” said Urban. “They are always here to support our hospital, but this face-mask project has been spectacular.

“Their willingness to make thousands of masks is yet another demonstration of support for our patients and their families. But then they took it to the next level by including the whole community. Everyone in the Pawnee County area should commend all Auxiliary members who participated in any way.”                                       

The Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation has successfully achieved its goal of raising $300,000 as part of the 3D mammography campaign that began in October 2019. The campaign goal, through the generosity of donors, business leaders, grateful patients, friends of the foundation and foundation trustees, was reached in record time of less than a year.

“I was humbled and pleasantly surprised the fundraising went so quickly, especially because of COVID-19 and canceled fundraisers,” said Julie Bugner-Smith, director of the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation. “Raising approximately $300,000 ahead of schedule speaks volumes about our community. Local and area residents saved the hospital several years ago and remain invested in providing the best of the best in healthcare services.

“Backing from the community is at the forefront of Pawnee Valley Campus being able to offer high-tech services,” she continued. “The foundation’s support from the community and the substantial gift from Lewis Young is deeply appreciated.”

The generosity of the Larned-area community will result in the earlier-than-expected arrival of new 3D mammography equipment, said Shelly Stanton, director of imaging at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus.

“Our hospital is extremely blessed and so grateful for generous donations and community support through the years,” Stanton said. “Pawnee Valley Campus wouldn’t be here without the support of everyone who chooses our services, as well as our benefactors who donate time and money. We are thriving and offering state-of-the-art equipment because of our community.”

The new technology will arrive this fall, but the hospital will continue using the 2D equipment until the 3D unit is installed. Originally, the equipment wasn’t expected until late in 2021.

“We want the least amount of service interruption as possible,” Stanton commented. “We anticipate about two weeks of downtime for installation, physics testing and training.”

3D mammography takes images in slices, allowing radiologists to see layers of tissue separately. This makes 3D superior for women with dense breast tissue and allows for detection of 20-60 percent more invasive cancers.

“The new machine’s ability to distinguish different tissues results in fewer false positives,” Stanton noted. “And this, of course, means fewer patients have to return for follow-up testing. Mammography is so important because it can detect cancers as small as a grain of sand – long before they are big enough to be felt during a self-exam. Finding cancers early saves lives and helps prevent more extensive treatments.”

This new addition to the hospital illustrates that “we strive to provide the most advanced imaging equipment,” Stanton added. “Patients can be screened locally and know they are not compromising their care in any way. We realize patients have choices. But choosing Pawnee Valley Campus’ top-of-line equipment and professional staff can reduce travel time, expense and stress.”

The American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging recommend annual mammograms beginning at age 40.

Women of higher-than-average risk because of family history should start earlier, also according to the ACR. Supplemental screenings, such as breast MRI and ultrasound, may also be considered. Treatment is determined on an individual basis.a

Pawnee Valley Campus focused on delivering quality mammography services

2D mammogram services at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus hospital in Larned recently earned 3-year accreditation from the American College of Radiology (ACR). In addition, the healthcare team in Larned continues its campaign to raise funds to purchase the technology to provide 3D mammograms.

The recent comprehensive survey of the mammography program by the ACR went well, according to Shelly Stanton, director of imaging. “We met or exceeded all standards,” she said. “The ACR focuses on areas such as imaging quality, equipment and quality-control procedures. They also evaluate our team members, who must meet strict educational standards to earn their credentials.”

The gold-seal accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities after a peer review by physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field.

2D mammography services have been available at Pawnee Valley Campus since December 2018. Prior to that, a mobile service provided by HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, paid regular visits.

“We are excited to offer this service in the hospital,” Stanton commented. “Early detection of breast cancer is so important because the earlier we find a problem, the easier it is to treat. There are more treatment options with early detection, too. This means a much better chance of survival.”

Stanton noted that if a physician recommends a mammogram, the patient should not hesitate to have the screening right away.

In addition to 2D mammography, Pawnee Valley Campus also provides additional high-quality imaging services, including 64-slice CT, low-dose CT, wide-bore MRI and a new nuclear medicine camera.

“We are proud to offer these services to our community,” Stanton said. “Patients and families appreciate that these imaging services are available close to home. There is less travel time, stress and expense.”

To add to Stanton’s enthusiasm, a fundraising campaign for new 3D mammograph technology kicked off last October at the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation Gala. Nearly half of the fundraising goal has been raised so far.

“There are a number of ways people can donate to this campaign,” said Julie Bugner-Smith, foundation director. “One popular way is through a memorial to a loved one. There also is a payroll-deduction plan, which we do here for employees at Pawnee Valley Campus. In addition, the Foundation raises money through several community events.”

Bugner-Smith informs people about the campaign during outreach and educational programs, as well as through social media.

“We hope to have the 3D equipment, which has advanced diagnostic capabilities, available in 2021,” Bugner-Smith said. “This will be a great addition to our leading-edge equipment.

“As we all know,” she added, “the equipment is only as good as the people running it. Our community can be assured that our caring and professional staff is second-to-none. Shelly and her team do a great job every day.”

Donations of all sizes are welcome. Those who wish to donate or seek more information are encouraged to contact Bugner-Smith at 620-285-8632.

Caption Shelly Stanton, director of imaging at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus, displays recent 2D mammogram accreditation.

Family practice team welcomes new advanced practice providers

For more than a decade, The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus has provided high-quality care of many types for patients of all ages. It continues to do so today and will for many years to come.

The family medicine practice is ready to provide complete care for you and your family. Its dedicated physicians – Crystal Hill, MD, and Christian Whittington, MD – recently welcomed Susan Aistrup, APRN, and Haley Gleason, APRN, to the team. The addition of these warm, caring and experienced advanced practice registered nurses makes more care available to more people when they need it. Aistrup was drawn to the practice for its community setting, friendly staff and state-of-the-art facility.

“With our wide range of services and up-to-date equipment, we can meet the healthcare needs of patients and their families right here in their own backyards,” she said. “My colleagues and I focus on the health of each individual to ensure they can be as healthy as possible. My many years as a nurse and commitment to listening closely guide me to care for patients of all ages.”

She is no stranger to the Pawnee County area, as she has family in Larned, Rozel and Burdett, Kansas.

Gleason is a resident of Great Bend, Kansas. She provides women’s health services, such as Pap tests and breast exams, as well as dermatology care, wound care and treatment for minor injuries.

“I look forward to providing care to the Pawnee Valley community and getting to know each of my patients personally,” she said. “Caring for patients and seeing them happy and healthy is what I love about being an advanced practice provider.”

Complete care for the community
The Pawnee Valley Campus staff is ready to plan and provide the important care you and your family need. While the novel coronavirus pandemic may cause some people to question whether obtaining care is safe, our team is fully prepared to maintain safety and offers reassurance for these concerns.

“Being a part of the health system provides us with important guidance and support as we continue to safely care for community,” said Dr. Hill. “Our team loves providing the care our patients need and deserve. Patients find comfort in knowing they will receive quality care close to home, and we are honored that Pawnee Valley Campus is viewed as an important asset to our small community.”

For more information or to make an appointment, call 620-804-6007.

The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus once again is providing sports physicals for Fort Larned and Pawnee Heights school districts.

The physicals will be conducted differently this year due to COVID-19 and the need for extra safety measures associated with the pandemic. Pawnee Valley Campus asks parents and guardians to call the family medicine team at 620-804-6007 to schedule their child for a comprehensive well-child exam. In addition to the sports physical, the exam will address any necessary vaccinations and other medical needs.

If a child has already received their well-child exam in the past 12 months, parents may still schedule a sports physical. A small fee for this service is required, and insurance will not be billed since a comprehensive exam has already been conducted.

Most insurance companies recognize the importance of annual well-child exams as a preventive health service and will provide coverage for these visits. Check with your insurance company regarding their policy on well-child exams. If your child does not have wellness benefits or you need financial assistance, notify the family medicine care team when you schedule the appointment.

A sports physical form should be filled out before the exam. Get the form here: kshsaa.org/public/pdf/form-ppe.pdf

For immunization requirements in Kansas schools, visit:

kdheks.gov/immunize/download/2020-2021_School_Requirement_K-12.pdf

Larned, Kansas. –A patient with COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, or SARS-CoV-2, has been admitted to The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus for treatment. The patient is in a specially equipped area that is designed to prevent the spread of the virus to other patients, visitors, staff and physicians.

Upon arrival, caregivers wearing protective personal gear coordinated the patient’s entry into the hospital. No other patients, visitors or caregivers were exposed.  Pawnee Valley Campus followed CDC and KDHE guidelines to protect caregivers, patients and visitors from exposure.

We will not share information about patients admitted for COVID-19 in order to protect their privacy as required by federal law.  County and state health departments work in tandem for contact tracing and will notify people at risk per their protocols.  All questions related to public safety should be directed to the appropriate governing agency.

The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus’s top priority is the safety of our patients, caregivers, and the community. Our expert clinicians regularly care for patients with severe respiratory illnesses and other infectious diseases. They are well trained and follow specific procedures using the tools and techniques in place to protect themselves, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Employees are safe to come to work and patients are safe to keep their medical appointments and planned procedures to stay healthy.

There are no more planned updates at this time.

Pawnee Valley Campus Initiates NEW Changes to Visitation and Mask Requirements (Effective Wednesday, May 27)

Larned, Kansas – The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus is working
closely with local, state and federal health officials to control spread and provide needed care
during the COVID-19 Pandemic. We have done so while continuing to safely meet the primary,
specialty and emergency healthcare needs of our patients and their families. Our top priority is
keeping our patients, visitors and staff safe.

To that end we have made some changes to our visitation policy and are implementing universal
mask requirements based on CDC guidelines.

Visitation Changes

• Effective Wednesday, May 27 at 6:00 a.m.
• One visitor per patient per day will be allowed from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm. No visitors will be allowed to enter after 8:00 pm.

Visitation Reminders

• Patients and visitors must use the Front Entrance, M-F from 6:00 am – 5:00 pm for
  access. Evenings until 8:00 pm and weekends from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, patients and
  visitors must use the After Hour Entrance.
  Only emergency room patients and visitors enter through the Emergency Department
  entrance, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Unless you have a scheduled pediatrics appointment, visitors under age 14 will not be
  allowed in the facilities until further notice.
• Temperature screenings upon entry into our facilities will continue. When you enter the
  hospital, you will be directed to a screening station where someone will take your
  temperature. This process will include staff. Every person arriving at our facilities must
  receive a temperature screening before entering. Visitors and staff with a temperature
  will not be allowed in the facility.

New Universal Mask Requirements

• Masks are now required for patients, visitors and staff. As we work together to preserve
  health and safety for our health system and communities, we require all patients,
  visitors and staff to wear masks. It’s a necessity of our new normal that certainly feels
  Pawnee Valley Campus
  different, but guidelines from the CDC indicate wearing a barrier mask provides a
  measure of protection for all of us. This change aligns with both state and local
  guidelines in requiring all individuals to wear a mask in public. Simple acts such as
  breathing, talking, sneezing and coughing are all ways the virus may spread.
• We ask that you bring your own mask, however, if you do not have one you will be
  provided one when you enter our facility and are screened.
• We know this may be an inconvenience, but our priority is keeping our patients, visitors
  and staff safe and healthy. These are unprecedented times and we are staying abreast
  of the situation and taking precautions accordingly.

General Reminders

If you are feeling ill and have the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Or have:
  • Been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19
  • Have traveled to an area with sustained transmissions

Contact your doctor’s office or call the COVID-19 Hotline at 877-261-7140.

Call before you arrive at your doctor’s office.

Do not go to the Emergency Department unless instructed by your doctor.

Our team treats patients with several respiratory illnesses every day. We have the training, tools
and techniques in place to isolate and care for patients who are potentially at risk for COVID-19
following the guidelines identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit:

• Kansas Department of Health and Environment
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Or your local county or city health department

The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus is prepared and ready.

The rise of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a global, national and local concern. We want to assure our patients and the Pawnee Valley community that The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus is working closely with local, state and federal health officials to control spread and provide needed care.

Our top priority is keeping our patients, visitors and staff safe.

We know novel coronavirus is spread person to person; we are taking specific precautions to control the spread of the virus in our facility and community, including:

·         Implementing telephone and telehealth Pawnee Valley Medical Associates clinic visits

·         Reducing the number of surgical procedures by suspending elective surgeries.

·         Performing temperature screenings upon entry into our facilities. We reduced points of entry to direct all arriving visitors and employees to a temperature screening station.

·         Suspending nonessential specialty care appointments.

·         Suspending walk-in Saturday outpatient lab and clinic visits.

·         Preparing for increase in Emergency Department and acute care patients.

·         Reducing to no visitors in our hospital, with few exceptions. Any visitor who has a fever or other cold or flu-like symptoms may not enter our facilities.

·         Encouraging staff members to work from home if their roles and responsibilities allow it.

·         Closing our cafeteria to the public and offering only grab-and-go options for our staff.

·         Suspending the use of our conference rooms to external organizations or groups.

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