Embracing Challenges, pg 1

A Lifetime of Care: Don Drennan, pg 1 Meet Dr. Christopher Morrissey, pg 2

Weight Management Success, pg 4WNH Community Update, Insert

CallsHouse2012 | Issue #26

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. Postage

PAIDWichita, KSPermit #476

William Newton Memorial Hospital1300 E. Fifth Ave.Winfield, KS 67156

Experience the Care in Healthcare

Celebrating85 years

Embracing Challenges as OpportunitiesHow has William Newton Hospital remained

strong throughout its history? By staying true to the organization’s core values of community, integrity, dignity and excellence. Just as important, however, is the ability to strategically adapt to change and meet challenges head-on. The delivery and funding of healthcare is evolving at a phenomenal

rate. Hospitals everywhere must change in order to provide quality care and continue to serve their communities. To borrow an unofficial mantra from the Marines, hospitals must; “Improvise – Adapt – Overcome.” Below are just a few of the critical changes made by WNH during the last two decades:

Winfield resident and WNH Board member Don Drennan was born at William Newton Hospital on September 23, 1931, four years after the hospital first opened.

When Don was 17, he broke his arm playing football. That was 1948. “There was no such thing as an emergency room”, Don said. “I walked in the front door of William Newton and they took me directly to the OR to set the break.” All three of Don and Betsy’s sons were also born at WNH. “In those days family members were not allowed in the delivery room, but fathers could watch the birth through a private window.” In 2009, Don had cardiac stents implanted. As part of his recovery he attended Menders, William Newton’s cardiac rehabilitation program. “After completing the six-weeks recommended by my doctor, I decided to continue with the Phase IV monitored exercise program. To make a long story short, I now have a pace maker and I get a lot of comfort knowing my exercise is supervised by health professionals. I enjoy the company, too.”

Don has served the WNH since 1981, first as the secretary of the Board of Trustees and then as a Board member beginning in 1994. “The Hospital’s leaders are always looking for opportunities and meeting challenges head on,” he said. “A lot of changes have been necessary during my life, but there has never been any doubt that we have a great facility staffed with talented people.” “As for me, I may not retire until Board members get chauffeured to meetings, or at least valet parking,” Don adds with a smile. “Seriously though, I am going to do everything I can to make sure William Newton remains a valuable service to the community.”

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Continuously Improving Performance Patients today are knowledgeable about healthcare and have high expectations. WNH proactively monitors the services we provide, compares the results with other hospitals, reports this information to hospital leaders and government agencies and takes action to improve performance.

Assuring Medical Staff Supply Finding and keeping community doctors is increasingly difficult and expensive. To help remedy this problem the Hospital has shared in recruitment costs, constructed medical office buildings and employed practitioners.

Organizing Community Support All hospitals are challenged with rising operating costs, changing technology, health professional shortages, increasing regulation and declining reimbursement. To help the Hospital remain strong and recognize the generosity of the community the William Newton Healthcare Foundation was established in 2008.

Forming Critical Partnerships To be successful, modern hospitals must network with other organizations. Such collaboration is evidenced by WNH’s rural and occupational health programs, a broad range of specialty services and satellite clinics, and strong relationships with other hospitals and businesses.

Developing Outpatient Services Beginning in the 1980s inpatient admissions declined nationally while outpatient visits grew. William Newton has adapted to this trend by developing new outpatient services and methods of health care delivery.

Maintaining Facilities and Equipment The Board of Trustees has made it a priority for patients, physicians, and employees to have modern facilities and equipment. Since first constructed in 1927, WNH has made many upgrades, additions and other improvements. We are continually assessing and responding to the healthcare needs of the community.

Hospitals everywhere must change in order to provide quality care and continue to serve their communities.

“

Betsy and Don workout together at Heart Menders

weekly. After having cardiac

stents implanted Don has been

a regular Heart Menders attendee.

Don’s mother saved the check

that she wrote to pay WNH for Don’s birth. It cost $44.55

for the “Room, Nursery, etc.” as

she indicated in the memo line.

A LIFETIME OF CAREDon Drennan has witnessed changes

in the delivery of healthcare firsthand

WNH through the Years 1933 1965 1992 2011 Patient Beds Available 52 165 65 25 Admissions* 791 4,571 1,830 1,337Average Length of Stay (days) 10.9 UA 4.6 3.0Outpatient Visits** 495 7,202 41,639 60,056 Births 92 282 258 257 Hospital Buildings Square Feet*** 33,000 103,000 116,000 147,000 Auxiliary Members 14 300 250 167 Auxiliary Hours of Service ____ 8,500 30,232 13,500 Starting Wage for Staff Nurse $0.50 $2.03 $12.58 $19.18 * Inpatients, Skilled Nursing, Newborn ** Observation, Rural Clinics, Home Health, Emergency Room, etc.***Hospital, Winfield Healthcare Center, Physicians Pavilion

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WNH X-Ray, 1963 WNH MRI, 2012

Embracing Challenges as Opportunities Surgical Safety

Prior to Surgery + Safety drills—Regular drills are conducted addressing operating room risks, such as power interruption, fire hazards, and equipment breakdown.+ Infection prevention—Special measures are taken to sterilize equipment and maintain a clean environment to reduce the risk for infection. Preoperative antibiotics are prescribed when indicated.+ Medication check—Computer technology is used to screen for possible drug interactions and help prevent medication errors.+ Continuing education—Doctors, anesthetists and nurses are required to obtain medical education hours regularly to maintain their licenses and stay current on best practices.

“Many things are done prior to surgery for patient safety, like careful selection of pre-operative medica-tions, patient interviews to update medical history and marking the correct surgical site. It is a team effort and everyone has responsibilities.”

– Chandy Samuel, MDWNH Chief of Surgery

WNH Welcomes New Surgeon General surgeon Dr. Christopher Morrissey

has joined the William Newton Medical Staff. A native of Phillipsburg, Kansas, Morrissey graduated from Fort Hays State University and attended medical school at the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. He completed his internship and residency at Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc, Michigan. “We are thrilled that Dr. Morrissey has established his practice in our community,” said Dr. Wade Turner, William Newton’s Chief of Staff. “Many of our doctors are reaching retirement age, and competition for medical professionals is very high. This is why recruitment of quality physicians will remain a top priority for the Hospital.” Dr. Morrissey specializes in minimally invasive gastrointestinal and colorectal surgery, complex hernia repair, surgical breast oncology, and gastrointestinal endoscopy. He is trained in osteopathic manipulation as well.

“Dr. Morrissey is a skilled, motivated and a personable physician” says fellow surgeon Dr. Anthony Johnstone. “My 18 years here have been very satisfying, and I am optimistic that he will have a similar experience and a long-term relationship with the Hospital and the good people here in Kansas.” Joining Morrissey will be his wife Tranda and his six children, ranging in age from 1 to 17 years. “Tranda and I are very excited to be back in our home state of Kansas and eager to become an active part of the community,” said Morrissey. Dr. Morrissey’s office is located on the ground floor of the Physicians Pavilion in Winfield. Schedule an appointment by calling (620) 222-6270.

The Operation+ Time out—Before the procedure begins, each OR team member verbally confirms patient identification, procedure planned, surgical site, patient allergies, and antibiotic administration, if indicated.+ The count—The OR staff completes a verbal and visual count of all instruments, sponges and sharps. This step is performed at the start of each procedure, before closure begins, and during wound closure.+ Continuous monitoring —Patients are monitored throughout anesthesia and the surgical procedure using sophisticated technology and skilled observation.+ Preventing injury—Special equipment and techniques are used to reduce the risk of unwanted events, such as nerve injury, skin damage or blood clots.

Before you Leave+ Waking up – Speed of recovery varies by type of anesthesia, surgical procedure and the individual’s health. Assessment continues after you leave the surgical suite and into a recovery area where patients are monitored until they meet recovery protocol. + Patient education – Each patient receives precise discharge instructions that optimize healing and reduce the risk for post-operative complications. + Follow-up care – Early intervention with specialized care (e.g.; oncology, physical therapy, pain management) may be necessary following surgery. The staff will assist with scheduling appointments prior to discharge to maximize continuity of care.+ Discharge decision – Patients must meet specific criteria before being released from the hospital.

We will take good care of you and see you when you wake up. Now, take a breath and count to

ten.” As you doze off these words can be reassuring... or a little scary. You have placed all of your trust with a surgery team consisting of a surgeon, anesthetist

and nurses who will be watching over you while you are sleeping. Rest assured your safety is everyone’s number one priority. Actions were taken to provide for your safety even before your arrival. Hospitals follow national standards that guide and

A TEAM EFFORT

“During my third year of medical

school on a Trauma/SICU rotation, I knew general surgery was for me,” said Morrissey. “I

like to fix things and see results.”

WNH through the Years 1933 1965 1992 2011 Patient Beds Available 52 165 65 25 Admissions* 791 4,571 1,830 1,337Average Length of Stay (days) 10.9 UA 4.6 3.0Outpatient Visits** 495 7,202 41,639 60,056 Births 92 282 258 257 Hospital Buildings Square Feet*** 33,000 103,000 116,000 147,000 Auxiliary Members 14 300 250 167 Auxiliary Hours of Service ____ 8,500 30,232 13,500 Starting Wage for Staff Nurse $0.50 $2.03 $12.58 $19.18 * Inpatients, Skilled Nursing, Newborn ** Observation, Rural Clinics, Home Health, Emergency Room, etc.***Hospital, Winfield Healthcare Center, Physicians Pavilion

The H.L. Snyder Medical Foundation recently approved funding to provide William Newton Hospital with a new harmonic surgical scalpel. The contribution of nearly $31,000 covers the entire cost of this state-of-the-art equipment. The harmonic scalpel functions by vibrating the blade 55,500 times per second, which assists the surgeon in making very precise incisions. The technology also coagulates blood vessels, reducing blood loss and improving view of the surgical field. There are many surgical applications for this technology. The staff and surgeons of WNH are extremely grateful to the Snyder Foundation for this generous gift.

H.L. Snyder Medical Foundation Gives WNH Harmonic Technology

promote safe care for patients undergoing an operative procedure. They also monitor performance during all phases, from preoperative care through post-operative recovery, and compare the results to national statistics.

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“ The OR team’s primary objective is to deliver the best patient care in a safe environment. This is best accomplished by establishing surgical protocols that meet or exceed national standards. – Tonya Gibson, RN, BSN, WNH Operating Room Supervisor

WNH MRI, 2012

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Q: What motivated you to try endurance events?A: I set personal challenges for myself, like training for the 5k (3 mile) Junebug Jog. Then some friends kept inviting me to attend other races. I began jogging longer distances with them, eventually progressing into entering marathons (26.2 miles). Then another friend was going to do a mini triathlon and I thought that might be fun. My mom got us into swimming at an early age and my wife and I like to ride bicycles, so it all seemed possible. I just completed my fourth mini triathlon. For the record, I challenge myself, but I’m not in it to win. I just enjoy it and it is good for me.

Q: What does a mini triathlon consist of?A: Mini triathlons are a combination of a half mile swim, 16 mile bike ride and 3 mile run—much shorter than a 100 mile Iron Man triathlon, but a lot of fun.

Q: Does anyone else in your family compete with you?A: Practically my whole family does the Junebug Jog every year—my wife, mom, sister, and kids. This is our favorite event and it gets the summer kick-started for us. My wife, Debbie, and I also competed in the local Elrod Cirque bike event this year.

Q: What personal health benefits have you noticed?A: I have more energy and self-esteem. Overall, I just feel better. It has also been a fun journey with some of my patients. They get on Facebook and challenge me, or taunt me as the case may be, and we encourage each other. It’s been great!

WNH Board of TrusteesSteve McSpadden, ChairBrenda ButtersJoan CalesDon DrennanTom Herlocker

Executive CommitteeWade Turner, MD, Chief of StaffAlvin Bird, DOBryan Dennett, MD K. Daniel Miller, DOAnand Kaul, MD

AdministratorDick Vaught

Newsletter StaffCheryl BrockTom EmbersKaydee Johnson Laura MorganAritha ParisAmanda Salzman Contributors Amanda SalzmanDeena Thurber Tonya Gibson

HouseCalls is published on 50% recycled paper (15% post-consumer)

1300 E. 5th Avenue (620) 221-2300

Winfield, KS 67156 W

NHcares.org

LEANING ON RESULTS A happier and healthier Steve McSpaddenProgram: Via Christi Weight Management Program Hosted at William Newton Hospital Start Date: November 1, 2011

11/01/11 Current

34 24

181 138

253 75

41 60

89 57

Body Mass Index

Cholesterol

Triglycerides

HDL (good)

LDL (bad)

Waist sizeWeight

44 36271 202

Total Weight Loss 69 lbs.

Q. How have you found success with the Via Christi HMR Program? A. The program is structured in a way which provides hard numbers to track a variety of health markers. This straight forward approach allows me to very easily see where I have succeeded and areas that I need to work on. I also can’t tell you enough how important your “coach” or support person is. Marilyn, my wife, is my coach. She at-tends all of the classes with me and this has been very beneficial.

Not only do I feel good about losing the weight; I’m now armed with knowledge and strategies to keep it off. That is the important part for me.

HouseCalls

“ I have more energy and self-esteem. Overall, I just feel better. – Dr. Bryan Dennett“

Learn more: viachristiweightmanagement.com (316) 689-6082

Practicing what he PrescribesSix years ago Winfield physician Bryan

Dennett began jogging with his son, Zach, to help him train for the high school cross country season. Huffing and puffing after the first block made him realize the importance

of practicing what he was preaching to his patients—it was time to get into shape. Dennett agreed to share his journey from walking and jogging short distances to participating in marathons and mini triathlons.

SPOTLIGHT | Q&A WITH BRYAN DENNETT, MD

Q: What advice do you have for people who want to become healthier?A: I suggest starting by breaking bad habits and

building good ones. It takes three months to change a bad habit and about three more to build on good habits until the behavior becomes effortless. It

is best to begin with something simple, like not eating while watching television. This is a really bad habit. So many people mindlessly eat in front of the TV. Begin a good exercise habit by walking for a couple of minutes a day and growing from there as your endurance increases. It is just a matter of getting up and doing something every day. Healthy choices will eventually become more routine and enjoyable.

Dr. Bryan Dennett stands with some of his gear upon completion of a mini triathlon.

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