Tri Valley Health System awarded for efforts to improve rural stroke care
The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Rural Recognition Bronze award recognizes efforts to address the unique health needs of rural communities
People who live in rural communities live an average of three years fewer than urban counterparts and have a 40% higher likelihood of developing heart disease and face a 30% increased risk for stroke mortality — a gap that has grown over the past two decades.[1],[2] Tri Valley Health System is committed to changing that.
For efforts to optimize stroke care and eliminate rural health care outcome disparities, Tri Valley Health System has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Rural Recognition Bronze award.
The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, recognizes the importance of health care services provided to people living in rural areas by rural hospitals that play a vital role in initiation of timely evidence-based care. For that reason, all rural hospitals participating in Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke are eligible to receive award recognition based on a unique methodology focused on early acute stroke performance metrics.
“We are proud that our team at Tri Valley Health System is being recognized for the important work we do every day to improve the lives of people who are affected by stroke, giving them the best possible chance of recovery and survival,” said Chief Nursing Officer Clay Jordan. “As a hospital in a rural community, we deal with characteristics, such as extended interfacility transportation times, and limited staffing resources. We've made it a goal to make sure those hurdles do not affect the standard of care our stoke patients receive.
“Rural communities deserve high quality stroke care. I'm proud of our team for their commitment to stroke care excellence and this achievement.”
The award recognizes hospitals for their efforts toward acute stroke care excellence demonstrated by composite score compliance to guideline-directed care for intravenous thrombolytic therapy, timely hospital inter-facility transfer, dysphagia screening, symptom timeline and deficit assessment documentation, emergency medical services communication, brain imaging and stroke expert consultation.
“Patients and health care professionals in rural areas face unique health care challenges and opportunities,” said Karen E. Joynt Maddox, M.D., MPH, volunteer expert for the American Heart Association, co-author on “Call to Action: Rural Health: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association” and co-director of the Center for Health Economics and Policy at the Institute for Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. “Tri Valley Health System has furthered this important work to improve care for all Americans, regardless of where they live.”
Tri Valley Health System's Advanced Wound Care Clinic Receives Center of Excellence Award
Award acknowledges exceptional success in multiple wound healing benchmarks.
Tri Valley Health System's Advanced Wound Care Clinic is a recipient of RestorixHealth’s highest achievement, the Wound Center of Excellence Award. Recipients of this prestigious award meet or exceed national wound care quality benchmarks over a set period of time.
The Wound Center of Excellence Award distinguishes centers that have demonstrated exceptional success by meeting or exceeding clinical and operational benchmarks in several categories, including healing outcomes, adherence to clinical practice pathways and patient safety, along with a patient satisfaction rate of 96% or higher.
“This achievement reaffirms our mission through our partnership with RestorixHealth to improve the health and quality of life for those in our community with wounds,” said Sally Farquhar, APRN. “We are proud to be recognized for the outstanding care that we provide patients every day.”
The Advanced Wound Care Clinic is dedicated to optimizing outcomes and preventing lower limb loss in those patients with non-healing wounds. The approach to wound care is aggressive and comprehensive, coordinating traditional and advanced therapies and techniques that are proven to reduce healing time and improve healing rates.
The center is staffed with clinicians with advanced training in wound care.
The Wound Clinic is open every Thursday. For more information, please call 308-697-1285.
Mary Alexander finds perfect ingredients in family, local healthcare facility, and herself to recover from stroke
When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade. Mary Alexander definitely has the right ingredients for a successful recovery from the stroke she had on March 1 and she has never been more grateful for her local healthcare system and her loving family.
Mary is healthy and showed no signs of a possible stroke, but on March 1 while at home, Mary slid out of her chair and couldn’t use the right side of her body. Mary was brought to the Tri Valley Health System emergency room by her husband, Larry, and son Jerry where she was evaluated by Sarah Norton, PA-C. Norton said, “We were quick in evaluating her for a stroke and went into stroke protocol immediately.” Part of that stroke protocol was the use of Teledigm and Bryan telestroke technology that Tri Valley Health System implemented last August. Tri Valley Health System quickly connected to Neurologist and Stroke Specialist Dr. Wanahita. Norton said, “The whole process was very easy and Dr. Wanahita was great to work with. She quickly gave her recommendations after being able to evaluate Mary directly through the device. This was able to give me time to begin making arrangements for her transfer which time is extremely important with stroke cases. It was wonderful to have expert care right with the patient during this acute phase of the stroke.” Mary was treated with medication to reduce bleeding and then transferred to Bryan West with a diagnosis of hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by a weakened vessel that ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain and accounts for about 13% of stroke cases.
Mary stayed at Bryan West until March 28 when she was finally able to return to Tri Valley Health System as a swing bed patient to be closer to home. Mary received care at Tri Valley Health System for a month and continued to rehabilitate with loved ones and a great support system by her side.
Family is a key ingredient to Mary’s recovery. Larry, Mary’s husband of 60 years, was always by Mary’s side and wanted to learn how to do everything to be able to help Mary. One of the things Mary is looking forward to doing is going for walks, which always involves holding hands with Larry. Mary and Larry have 2 children, 8 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. Three grandchildren are nurses so Mary said they have been able to provide her lots of help and information.
Tri Valley Health System provided Mary meals, therapy, and any assistance that she needed. Mary said, “The care has been incredible. They are there every time I need them 24 hours a day. The therapy departments have been helping me regain skills. The care is here, we just have to use it.”
Recovery from a hemorrhagic stroke is very difficult, but no one was going to tell Mary that as she has made a nearly miraculous recovery. Tri Valley Health System staff attributed her recovery to Mary’s attitude and determination. Mary said, “I just took it day by day, and I wanted to get better. I have many more memories to make and new babies to meet.”
Tri Valley Health System adds dermatology clinic
Premier Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Center will be providing dermatology services at Tri Valley Health System starting on April 20, 2023. Dr. Adams will be seeing patients at Tri Valley Health System on the third Thursday of every month.
From 2013-2016, Dr. Adams served on the Board of Directors of the American Society for Mohs Surgery. In 2016, he served as the President of the Kansas Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Adams has also been selected as one of “America’s Top Physicians.” He currently serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Dr. Adams received his medical degree from the University of Southern California. He has been practicing at Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, PA since 1998.
Some of the conditions Dr. Adams will treat include: acne, all types of skin cancer, irregular moles, melanoma, eczema, poison ivy, psoriasis, rosacea, skin abnormalities, skin infections, warts and more.
Tri Valley Health System is very excited to be able to offer expert dermatology care to this area. For an appointment call (402) 462-4872 or toll-free at (888) 806-6571.
Tri Valley Health System honors nurses with the DAISY award
Congratulations to Daisy Nominees Ashlee Minard, Kristi Shoemaker, Justine Brott, and Amanda Bennett. This year’s winner is Justine Brott. The DAISY Award stands for “Diseases Attacking the Immune System” and is presented to nurses who display extraordinary care and go the extra mile for their patients. Justine’s nomination letter said, “We found Justine to be so kind and caring and going the extra mile by asking little things that made us feel valued and well taken care of. She even thought of the potential IV admin, when she took blood samples so as not to put another needle in. She was always asking if I needed anything and even bringing me ice for the soda and crackers. She is very professional and exemplifies the core values of TVHS. She even got the medications from the pharmacy, knowing that they would be closed by the time we were released from the ER.” Justine was presented the Healer’s Touch Sculpture along with a special Daisy Pin. Congratulations to Justine and all the nominees. Tri Valley Health System would like to thank everyone who nominated our DAISY Honoree and nominees today. This award does not happen unless people take the time to submit a nomination story, and it means a great deal that you care enough for our nurses to do so.
Tri Valley Health System utilizes automated appointment reminder system
Tri Valley Health System started utilizing an automated appointment reminder system on February 28. Patients with a scheduled appointment will receive a text message or phone call letting them know about their appointment at least 24 hours before their appointment. Patients will be able to confirm or decline the appointment. We hope this system is a convenient reminder for patients.
Tri Valley Health System adds Telestroke/Acute Neurology Services
Tri Valley Health System is expanding services, providing local, around-the- clock treatment for stroke patients through telemedicine. Telestroke/Acute Neurology services will be available for patients starting Monday, August 8.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a stroke hits someone in the United States every 40 seconds, and early action is critical. Patients who receive appropriate care within three hours have a greater survival rate. They also suffer from less disability – such as loss of mobility – three months after the stroke than those who received delayed care.
“This cooperative program will be a great benefit to stroke patients because timing is critical, when you are in a rural area, every second counts for treatments as there is a certain window of time in which we can activate treatments to improve blood flow to the brain. Plus, with telemedicine specialists at our side, we can rely on care that would be diminished if we had to transport to a larger hospital,” explains Tri Valley Health System Chief Nursing Officer Clay Jordan.
The expansion of telemedicine services allows Tri Valley Health System to provide around-the-clock affordable, convenient, and trusted neurology and stroke care. “Our specialists are available right in the patient’s room when they’re most needed,” says Teledigm Health and Bryan Telemedicine President and CEO Brian J. Bossard, MD. “Patients at Tri Valley Health System can receive the same state-of- the-art care as someone in Lincoln or Omaha, because they have immediate access to some of the top specialists in the country.”
Jordan would also like to remind people that understanding the signs of stroke is the first step to getting the treatment they need. Remembering to act F.A.S.T. can help them reduce the effects of stroke to the brain. “F.A.S.T. is Face. Arms. Speech. Time,” says Jordan. “If you notice someone’s face droop on one side, one arm drifting downward, or slurred speech, that means it’s time to dial 911 and get to the emergency room right away. At Tri Valley Health System we are now even more prepared to provide comprehensive care through our ER staff and telemedicine specialists.”
Learn more about the services Tri Valley Health System offers at www.trivalleyhealth.com or call us at 308-697-3329.
The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Rural Recognition Bronze award recognizes efforts to address the unique health needs of rural communities
People who live in rural communities live an average of three years fewer than urban counterparts and have a 40% higher likelihood of developing heart disease and face a 30% increased risk for stroke mortality — a gap that has grown over the past two decades.[1],[2] Tri Valley Health System is committed to changing that.
For efforts to optimize stroke care and eliminate rural health care outcome disparities, Tri Valley Health System has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Rural Recognition Bronze award.
The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, recognizes the importance of health care services provided to people living in rural areas by rural hospitals that play a vital role in initiation of timely evidence-based care. For that reason, all rural hospitals participating in Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke are eligible to receive award recognition based on a unique methodology focused on early acute stroke performance metrics.
“We are proud that our team at Tri Valley Health System is being recognized for the important work we do every day to improve the lives of people who are affected by stroke, giving them the best possible chance of recovery and survival,” said Chief Nursing Officer Clay Jordan. “As a hospital in a rural community, we deal with characteristics, such as extended interfacility transportation times, and limited staffing resources. We've made it a goal to make sure those hurdles do not affect the standard of care our stoke patients receive.
“Rural communities deserve high quality stroke care. I'm proud of our team for their commitment to stroke care excellence and this achievement.”
The award recognizes hospitals for their efforts toward acute stroke care excellence demonstrated by composite score compliance to guideline-directed care for intravenous thrombolytic therapy, timely hospital inter-facility transfer, dysphagia screening, symptom timeline and deficit assessment documentation, emergency medical services communication, brain imaging and stroke expert consultation.
“Patients and health care professionals in rural areas face unique health care challenges and opportunities,” said Karen E. Joynt Maddox, M.D., MPH, volunteer expert for the American Heart Association, co-author on “Call to Action: Rural Health: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association” and co-director of the Center for Health Economics and Policy at the Institute for Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. “Tri Valley Health System has furthered this important work to improve care for all Americans, regardless of where they live.”
Tri Valley Health System's Advanced Wound Care Clinic Receives Center of Excellence Award
Award acknowledges exceptional success in multiple wound healing benchmarks.
Tri Valley Health System's Advanced Wound Care Clinic is a recipient of RestorixHealth’s highest achievement, the Wound Center of Excellence Award. Recipients of this prestigious award meet or exceed national wound care quality benchmarks over a set period of time.
The Wound Center of Excellence Award distinguishes centers that have demonstrated exceptional success by meeting or exceeding clinical and operational benchmarks in several categories, including healing outcomes, adherence to clinical practice pathways and patient safety, along with a patient satisfaction rate of 96% or higher.
“This achievement reaffirms our mission through our partnership with RestorixHealth to improve the health and quality of life for those in our community with wounds,” said Sally Farquhar, APRN. “We are proud to be recognized for the outstanding care that we provide patients every day.”
The Advanced Wound Care Clinic is dedicated to optimizing outcomes and preventing lower limb loss in those patients with non-healing wounds. The approach to wound care is aggressive and comprehensive, coordinating traditional and advanced therapies and techniques that are proven to reduce healing time and improve healing rates.
The center is staffed with clinicians with advanced training in wound care.
The Wound Clinic is open every Thursday. For more information, please call 308-697-1285.
Mary Alexander finds perfect ingredients in family, local healthcare facility, and herself to recover from stroke
When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade. Mary Alexander definitely has the right ingredients for a successful recovery from the stroke she had on March 1 and she has never been more grateful for her local healthcare system and her loving family.
Mary is healthy and showed no signs of a possible stroke, but on March 1 while at home, Mary slid out of her chair and couldn’t use the right side of her body. Mary was brought to the Tri Valley Health System emergency room by her husband, Larry, and son Jerry where she was evaluated by Sarah Norton, PA-C. Norton said, “We were quick in evaluating her for a stroke and went into stroke protocol immediately.” Part of that stroke protocol was the use of Teledigm and Bryan telestroke technology that Tri Valley Health System implemented last August. Tri Valley Health System quickly connected to Neurologist and Stroke Specialist Dr. Wanahita. Norton said, “The whole process was very easy and Dr. Wanahita was great to work with. She quickly gave her recommendations after being able to evaluate Mary directly through the device. This was able to give me time to begin making arrangements for her transfer which time is extremely important with stroke cases. It was wonderful to have expert care right with the patient during this acute phase of the stroke.” Mary was treated with medication to reduce bleeding and then transferred to Bryan West with a diagnosis of hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by a weakened vessel that ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain and accounts for about 13% of stroke cases.
Mary stayed at Bryan West until March 28 when she was finally able to return to Tri Valley Health System as a swing bed patient to be closer to home. Mary received care at Tri Valley Health System for a month and continued to rehabilitate with loved ones and a great support system by her side.
Family is a key ingredient to Mary’s recovery. Larry, Mary’s husband of 60 years, was always by Mary’s side and wanted to learn how to do everything to be able to help Mary. One of the things Mary is looking forward to doing is going for walks, which always involves holding hands with Larry. Mary and Larry have 2 children, 8 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. Three grandchildren are nurses so Mary said they have been able to provide her lots of help and information.
Tri Valley Health System provided Mary meals, therapy, and any assistance that she needed. Mary said, “The care has been incredible. They are there every time I need them 24 hours a day. The therapy departments have been helping me regain skills. The care is here, we just have to use it.”
Recovery from a hemorrhagic stroke is very difficult, but no one was going to tell Mary that as she has made a nearly miraculous recovery. Tri Valley Health System staff attributed her recovery to Mary’s attitude and determination. Mary said, “I just took it day by day, and I wanted to get better. I have many more memories to make and new babies to meet.”
Tri Valley Health System adds dermatology clinic
Premier Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Center will be providing dermatology services at Tri Valley Health System starting on April 20, 2023. Dr. Adams will be seeing patients at Tri Valley Health System on the third Thursday of every month.
From 2013-2016, Dr. Adams served on the Board of Directors of the American Society for Mohs Surgery. In 2016, he served as the President of the Kansas Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Adams has also been selected as one of “America’s Top Physicians.” He currently serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Dr. Adams received his medical degree from the University of Southern California. He has been practicing at Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, PA since 1998.
Some of the conditions Dr. Adams will treat include: acne, all types of skin cancer, irregular moles, melanoma, eczema, poison ivy, psoriasis, rosacea, skin abnormalities, skin infections, warts and more.
Tri Valley Health System is very excited to be able to offer expert dermatology care to this area. For an appointment call (402) 462-4872 or toll-free at (888) 806-6571.
Tri Valley Health System honors nurses with the DAISY award
Congratulations to Daisy Nominees Ashlee Minard, Kristi Shoemaker, Justine Brott, and Amanda Bennett. This year’s winner is Justine Brott. The DAISY Award stands for “Diseases Attacking the Immune System” and is presented to nurses who display extraordinary care and go the extra mile for their patients. Justine’s nomination letter said, “We found Justine to be so kind and caring and going the extra mile by asking little things that made us feel valued and well taken care of. She even thought of the potential IV admin, when she took blood samples so as not to put another needle in. She was always asking if I needed anything and even bringing me ice for the soda and crackers. She is very professional and exemplifies the core values of TVHS. She even got the medications from the pharmacy, knowing that they would be closed by the time we were released from the ER.” Justine was presented the Healer’s Touch Sculpture along with a special Daisy Pin. Congratulations to Justine and all the nominees. Tri Valley Health System would like to thank everyone who nominated our DAISY Honoree and nominees today. This award does not happen unless people take the time to submit a nomination story, and it means a great deal that you care enough for our nurses to do so.
Tri Valley Health System utilizes automated appointment reminder system
Tri Valley Health System started utilizing an automated appointment reminder system on February 28. Patients with a scheduled appointment will receive a text message or phone call letting them know about their appointment at least 24 hours before their appointment. Patients will be able to confirm or decline the appointment. We hope this system is a convenient reminder for patients.
Tri Valley Health System adds Telestroke/Acute Neurology Services
Tri Valley Health System is expanding services, providing local, around-the- clock treatment for stroke patients through telemedicine. Telestroke/Acute Neurology services will be available for patients starting Monday, August 8.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a stroke hits someone in the United States every 40 seconds, and early action is critical. Patients who receive appropriate care within three hours have a greater survival rate. They also suffer from less disability – such as loss of mobility – three months after the stroke than those who received delayed care.
“This cooperative program will be a great benefit to stroke patients because timing is critical, when you are in a rural area, every second counts for treatments as there is a certain window of time in which we can activate treatments to improve blood flow to the brain. Plus, with telemedicine specialists at our side, we can rely on care that would be diminished if we had to transport to a larger hospital,” explains Tri Valley Health System Chief Nursing Officer Clay Jordan.
The expansion of telemedicine services allows Tri Valley Health System to provide around-the-clock affordable, convenient, and trusted neurology and stroke care. “Our specialists are available right in the patient’s room when they’re most needed,” says Teledigm Health and Bryan Telemedicine President and CEO Brian J. Bossard, MD. “Patients at Tri Valley Health System can receive the same state-of- the-art care as someone in Lincoln or Omaha, because they have immediate access to some of the top specialists in the country.”
Jordan would also like to remind people that understanding the signs of stroke is the first step to getting the treatment they need. Remembering to act F.A.S.T. can help them reduce the effects of stroke to the brain. “F.A.S.T. is Face. Arms. Speech. Time,” says Jordan. “If you notice someone’s face droop on one side, one arm drifting downward, or slurred speech, that means it’s time to dial 911 and get to the emergency room right away. At Tri Valley Health System we are now even more prepared to provide comprehensive care through our ER staff and telemedicine specialists.”
Learn more about the services Tri Valley Health System offers at www.trivalleyhealth.com or call us at 308-697-3329.
Tri Valley Health System has positive impact on the area economy
Tri Valley Health System does more than provide health care services to the area. Tri Valley Health System also has a positive economic impact on the overall fiscal health of the area. Through a combination of traditional health care services, fitness and wellness programs, telehealth technology, and community partnerships, Tri Valley Health System’s commitment to health extends far beyond the hospital walls.
A study conducted by Heartland Health Alliance that utilized 2019 Tri Valley Health System data showed that Tri Valley Health System creates 132.4 direct jobs, creates $22,196,379 in direct revenue, and directly generates $256,164 in state or local taxes. After taking into consideration indirect impact and induced impact, the total impact that Tri Valley Health System creates is 264.2 jobs, $42,972,159 in revenue, and $2,419.984 in state or local taxes.
"Tri Valley Health System is one of the largest employers in the area. We offer great employment opportunities with benefits. We also recruit professionals to live, raise families, and spend money in our communities. Tri Valley Health System is extremely proud to be able to support the area’s economy in such a positive way. We also recognize the fact that a thriving economy takes an entire effort among individuals and businesses; Tri Valley Health System only thrives with the support of everyone," said Jessica Fisher, Tri Valley Health System CEO.
Tri Valley Health System does more than provide health care services to the area. Tri Valley Health System also has a positive economic impact on the overall fiscal health of the area. Through a combination of traditional health care services, fitness and wellness programs, telehealth technology, and community partnerships, Tri Valley Health System’s commitment to health extends far beyond the hospital walls.
A study conducted by Heartland Health Alliance that utilized 2019 Tri Valley Health System data showed that Tri Valley Health System creates 132.4 direct jobs, creates $22,196,379 in direct revenue, and directly generates $256,164 in state or local taxes. After taking into consideration indirect impact and induced impact, the total impact that Tri Valley Health System creates is 264.2 jobs, $42,972,159 in revenue, and $2,419.984 in state or local taxes.
"Tri Valley Health System is one of the largest employers in the area. We offer great employment opportunities with benefits. We also recruit professionals to live, raise families, and spend money in our communities. Tri Valley Health System is extremely proud to be able to support the area’s economy in such a positive way. We also recognize the fact that a thriving economy takes an entire effort among individuals and businesses; Tri Valley Health System only thrives with the support of everyone," said Jessica Fisher, Tri Valley Health System CEO.
Tri Valley Health System offers a new approach to hip replacement with Dr. Chris Wilkinson
The Conformis Hip System, introduced in July 2018, is the only primary total hip replacement system on the market designed with 3D imaging technology to provide a stem and acetabular cup size that matches each patient’s specific anatomy. The implant system includes a single-piece stem with patient-specific neck, acetabular cup, iPoly XE® (highly crosslinked vitamin-e infused UHMWPE) polyethylene liner, and a choice of ceramic or cobalt chrome femoral head. 3D imaging technology is also used to create a pre-surgical plan, which accompanies a set of disposable patient-specific 3D printed jigs, to aid in implant positioning. Dr. Chris Wilkinson is able to perform this revolutionary hip replacement procedure at Tri Valley Health System. This system is also available for knee replacements as well. For more information on Conformis joint replacements at Tri Valley Health System call 308-697-1172.
The Conformis Hip System, introduced in July 2018, is the only primary total hip replacement system on the market designed with 3D imaging technology to provide a stem and acetabular cup size that matches each patient’s specific anatomy. The implant system includes a single-piece stem with patient-specific neck, acetabular cup, iPoly XE® (highly crosslinked vitamin-e infused UHMWPE) polyethylene liner, and a choice of ceramic or cobalt chrome femoral head. 3D imaging technology is also used to create a pre-surgical plan, which accompanies a set of disposable patient-specific 3D printed jigs, to aid in implant positioning. Dr. Chris Wilkinson is able to perform this revolutionary hip replacement procedure at Tri Valley Health System. This system is also available for knee replacements as well. For more information on Conformis joint replacements at Tri Valley Health System call 308-697-1172.