I started my healthcare career as a nurse on a med/surg unit in 1979. In 1987, I went to the dark side and began the administrative part of my career. In my 35-plus years in healthcare, I have never seen a more uncertain and anxious time. I have seen innumerable changes, many of which were predicted to be the demise of hospitals throughout the country. I remember when DRGs (Medicare’s diagnosis-related groups) were introduced, and everyone was convinced that it was the end of hospitals. Through all of the challenges, I held a steadfast belief that hospitals will always find a way. Our dedication to our patients and our communities will drive us to always evolve and do better.
I have to admit that this past week feels different. For the first time, I am really concerned about the future. Never before has someone or something threatened to divide healthcare workers: vaccinated vs. unvaccinated, rural vs. urban. The division within our society is clear, but in healthcare, we have always been able to accept our differences and work side by side for our patients. But the mandate has brought fear, anger, and uncertainty. I can’t resolve the issue of whether COVID-19 is real or not or if vaccines are good or bad. Full disclosure: I am fully vaccinated and have received my booster shot. I truly believe it is the best, and safest, path moving forward to get us back to some degree of normalcy. Not everyone shares that belief, and I get that – reluctantly.
At the end of the day, it’s not my personal viewpoint that is most important, but rather the organization – CHCS – and the people who make us a great organization. Our continued ability to provide safe, quality care to our patients is paramount. My commitment is that your leadership team will do everything we can within our legal limits to keep our organization whole and to continue our mission. But we need your help. The rules we need to follow are serious, and we need to you to help us meet our timelines and complete paperwork to the best of your abilities. The mandate rules are changing constantly, and we need you to keep up with communication. We also need everyone to keep asking questions. Please be respectful. Know that we are in uncharted territory here, and all of us are working to adjust and understand the paths forward.
At a meeting Wednesday night, the nurses asked what they can do. Besides what I mentioned above, you can contact your federal legislators. They need to hear from the people they represent and have led us through the pandemic from the beginning. We will send an email later today with instructions on how to contact your legislators. Below is an excerpt from a letter I sent to Senators Moran and Marshall on Monday.
A mandate is absolutely not the right approach, and is totally contrary to the act’s stated goal of “safeguard[ing] the health of all people.” Unsure or unsafe staffing or closures will not make people safer and will set back healthcare in rural Kansas by decades. Please do whatever you can to ensure that the CMS rule is repealed, delayed, or revised to include a testing option. I would welcome the opportunity to provide more information or assist in your efforts in any way.
Sincerely,
Todd Willert, CEO
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Vaccine update
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CHCS is able to schedule Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5-11 in our clinics starting next week. If you are interested in having your child(ren) vaccinated, please call your clinic.
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Clinics are also able to give boosters to those who qualify. Anyone who would like a booster should call a clinic to schedule.
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A list of frequently asked questions related to the CMS COVID-19 vaccine mandate is available on our website. Read the questions now. Want to add something to the list? Email your additional questions to info@chcsks.org.
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Singing surprise
Holton Community Theatre performers delivered a singing telegram to Holton Clinic staff on November 4. What a nice surprise! Thanks to Kim Lovvorn for catching it on video to share.
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Thank you, LaCroix!
LaCroix Sparkling Water donated 40 packages of their delicious product to thank hospital and medical staffs for keeping communities safe. They said to pass along their message of thanks for your passion and selfless courage.
Here are a few photos of associates enjoying the donation. If you missed out, we have a little extra in the Admin office--come and grab a refreshing beverage (or if you aren't in Onaga, email info@chcsks.org to request more).
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Radiographic Technologist Week is celebrated the week of November 8 to commemorate the discovery of the X-ray by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen on November 8, 1895.
Roentgen was a Germen physicist and mechanical engineer. Below is a photo of Wilhelm and the first x-ray ever taken of his wife's hands.
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CHCS offers multiple imaging modalities at Onaga, Holton, St. Mary's and x-ray only at our Frankfort location. We are on track to do approximately 10,000 exams this fiscal year. Photos of some of the hardworking folks who make this possible are below. Thank you to all of them!
--Jason McKinsey, R.T.(R)(CT)(MR)(ARRT)
Radiology Manager
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Open Enrollment starts next week.
During this period, associates can enroll in benefits including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, and other forms of insurance as well as sign up for Greater Giving or 2022 PTO Cash-In.
In-person enrollment dates around the system are as follows.
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Centralia: Monday, November 15, 1-3 p.m. and 4-6 p.m., Eastridge lobby area
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Holton: Wednesday, November 17, 3-5 p.m., break room
- St. Marys
- Thursday, November 18, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Tree Room
- Monday, November 22, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 5-7 p.m., Tree Room
- Onaga
- Monday, November 29, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 5-7 p.m., Walsh Room (basement)
- Tuesday, November 30, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Walsh Room (basement)
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Specialty Clinic Provider of the Month:
Dr. Kenneth Hobbs
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CHCS provides a number of specialty clinics each month in our Onaga, Holton, and St. Marys locations. Dr. Kenneth Hobbs, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM, is our specialty clinic provider of the month.
Podiatry is the medical and surgical treatment for foot disorders. Dr. Hobbs said his interest in podiatry stems from his college days when he was an avid jogger. “I get great satisfaction when I can help my patients maintain their mobility,” he said.
Some common foot problems include ingrown or fungal toenails, corns or callouses, bunions, hammer toes, and heel spurs. According to Dr. Hobbs, self-examination of feet is very important to improving foot health, especially for diabetics.
“Early intervention of a minor foot problem often avoids more serious problems,” Dr. Hobbs said.
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The Birth Center welcomed seven precious new babies into the world in October! A few photos are below. Looking for more? Check out the Nursery page on our website!
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Important reminders
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If you live in Pottawatomie County or work primarily in the county, please fill out our Community Health Needs Assessment Survey by November 22. Please encourage friends and family to do the same! (It won't take long--maybe 10 minutes, max!)
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Spirit Squad and the Mental Health Committee invite associates at all locations to do some good for others AND themselves with our "Fill the Cornucopia" activity. Donate nonperishable food for local food banks AND pause to express your gratitude! Make your contribution by November 19.
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Any child age 0-5 living in Pottawatomie or Riley County can enroll in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library for FREE and receive a book each month. Take a look at the flyer and sign up! (Other counties may be added soon.)
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November 15-19
Campfire Mocha
- Chocolate, white chocolate, and toasted marshmallow
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16 oz., $4
- Hot, cold, or frappe
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Want an additional discount? Bring your own cup and we'll bump your employee discount from 10% up to 15%.
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Beautify your Thanksgiving table!
Preorders are available for lovely, long-lasting arrangements to make your Thanksgiving table special or thank your hosts. Click the flyer at right to expand and get details, or visit the Coffee and Gift Shop to get a hard copy of the flyer and order form.
Mark your calendar: Our Holiday Open House will be Tuesday, November 30!
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CHCS menu: Onaga and Eastridge |
St. Marys menus are available each morning through the Activities chronicle.
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Did you miss your Connection?
Important information is relayed every week in the E-Connection. If you miss it in your email, an archive is available on our website. Visit the For Associates page, then click E-Connection Archive.
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Send items for the E-Connection or for sharing with our broader social media audience to sarahhancock@chcsks.org. Please send items by close of business on Tuesdays when possible. Ideas are welcome!
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