Community hospital is committed to sharing information with the residents of Kittitas County
ELLENSBURG, Wash, May 20, 2008 – Kittitas Valley Community Hospital is hosting a free Community Forum, at the Hal Holmes Center, on May 29th at 5:30 pm.
The event has been created to provide important information about the hospital’s operations and activities with the local community. Topics presented will include: hospital quality initiatives, rural healthcare challenges and future plans of KVCH.
“It is important for us to share information about our current and future strategies,” said Eric Jensen, CEO of KVCH. “We are very focused on clinical quality, patient safety and the stability of the hospital and healthcare locally. Offering an opportunity for open dialog with the community can only strengthen our mission of providing the community with exceptional healthcare."
According to Jack Baker, president of the KVCH's board of commissioners, the Community Forum is a continuation of the board's commitment to bring updates to the community. "We believe that a continuing dialogue with the communities we serve is an important component of being able to do our jobs well," said Baker.
Prior to the presentation, attendees will have an opportunity to visit information tables, where representatives from the hospital will share information about KVCH services. Facts about educational and support programs, Kittitas Valley Physical Therapy and Kittitas Valley Orthopedics, KVCH quality initiatives, and the KVCH Foundation will be available. Also details about the newest service provided by KVCH, the Anticoagulation Clinic, will be offered.
Light refreshments will be served at 5:30 pm and the program begins at 6:00 pm.
“Sunny” Mid-Level Practitioner Joins
Cle Elum Urgent Care Center
 Cle Elum, Wash –- Cle Elum Medical Center and KVCH are pleased to announce Karen “Sunny” Ridenour ARNP, MSN has been hired as a new mid-level provider and manager of the Cle Elum Urgent Care Center. The addition of Ridenour to the team has resulted in the expansion of the clinic’s operational hours from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
“Sunny comes to us with a wealth of experience and knowledge, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Washington State University in 1998, and running her own mobile medical clinic in the North Bend/Snoqualmie area since 2006,” said James Benson-Valdes, Director of Emergency and Surgical Services at KVCH. “We are happy that Sunny has joined the KVCH clinical staff and look forward to enriching our clinical excellence with her expertise.”
The eldest of thirteen children, Ridenour grew up in Eastern Washington and has just relocated from Tucson, AZ where she served as a nurse practitioner in family medicine, urgent care and adult acute care. Ridenour enjoys working in small communities and decided to return to the state she “loves” and also desired to be closer to family and friends.
“I really enjoy urgent care/family medicine because of the variety of patients that I see every day. I also like the fact that, since I will be here every night, I can help improve the consistency of care in the community… Patients will know that they can count on the same provider being here,” said Ridenour.
Ridenour speaks fluent Spanish and is also proficient in American Sign Language. She is an avid motorcyclist, enjoys rock climbing, ice climbing, hiking, camping, dancing, and singing Karaoke.
Sunny Ridenour welcomes all patients she has seen previously from the Snoqualmie area as well as new patients. The urgent care center accepts patients on a walk-in basis and provides prompt medical care for minor illnesses or injury. The Cle Elum Urgent Care Center is located inside the Cle Elum Medical Center at 201 Alpha Way, Cle Elum.
Respiratory Care Streamlined by the Remodel and Expansion
of the Respiratory Care Department
Ellensburg, Wash - Kittitas Valley Community Hospital has recently completed the remodel and expansion of its Respiratory Care Department. “The expansion allows for optimized patient flow, reduced wait time and additional room for treatment,” Jim Allen, Director of Respiratory Care. “An added feature to the department includes a reception window for easy patient check-in and improved customer service.”
Jim Allen, Director of Respiratory Care Services, sets up to perform a Pulmonary Function Test.
The Respiratory Care Department at KVCH is an allied health specialty that promotes cardiopulmonary wellness using a variety of therapeutic modalities to identify and treat acute or chronic dysfunctions of the cardiopulmonary system. One such modality used frequently at the hospital is the Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) booth. The PFT lab is one of the most advanced in Washington State and is used to diagnose pulmonary or lung disease, track the progress of the disease and evaluate the effectiveness of prescribed medications. Other tests performed in the respiratory care department are Cardiac Stress Testing, Electrocardiograms (EKG’s) and Holter Monitoring which functions as a portable device worn by the patient for continuously monitoring the electrical activity of the heart.
KVCH licensed respiratory therapists are trained to assess, treat, manage, educate, and care for patients with cardiopulmonary problems. The team includes six respiratory therapists, four full-time and two part-time. The respiratory department sees approximately 25-30 patients a week and services an average of 3-5 in-patients and 5-10 emergency room patients daily.
The Open House celebrating the completion of the KVCH Respiratory Care Department is scheduled for Friday, March 21, 2008 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michele Wentzel
509-654-2641
Learn How to Re-center Your Plate with Fruits and Vegetables
at the Fifth Annual KVCH Diabetes Info Fair
 Continuous education is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle while living with diabetes and the KVCH Diabetes Info Fair carries on its mission to bring the latest in diabetes care to the Kittitas County community.
The fifth annual Diabetes Info Fair is scheduled for April 10th from 2-7 p.m. at the Kittitas Valley Events Center at Teanaway Hall. “The size of the Info Fair has grown considerably over the last few years,” said Mary Jo Morrissey, Director of Diabetes Education at KVCH. “Our first fair was located at the hospital’s conference room and mezzanine level and later moved to the Fairgrounds in 2006 to accommodate more people.” Morrissey attributes the growth of the fair to the increased number of people diagnosed with diabetes, and greater awareness of the availability of diabetes education classes and individualized instruction provided by the diabetes education team at KVCH.
This year the fair’s theme is “re-centering your plate with fruits and vegetables” and features a special guest culinary expert, Naomi Kakiuchi RD, CD, CCP. Kakiuchi is the founder and president of the Seattle-based company, NuCulinary and will perform healthy cooking demonstrations throughout the day. Her experience over the last 20 years includes nutrition educator, professional speaker, culinary educator and consultant to catering and food service operations.
Each cooking demonstration is designed to create a different culinary experience and all will feature nutrient analysis, handouts with recipes and available time for Q & A. “Naomi’s focus is to use whole foods that can be prepared in simple ways and be adapted to a person’s cooking skills or lifestyle” said Morrissey. “Her approach is to help people incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their daily meals and this is also the theme of our fair this year. We are excited to have Naomi share her expertise with the Kittitas County residents!”
In addition to delicious cooking demonstrations, the fair will also host exhibition booths with local and national vendors that provide information on diabetes medications, products, exercise options and tips on reading food labels.
Diabetes is the country’s fastest growing public health problem. The number of people with Type 2 diabetes in the United States has doubled in the past two decades, to an estimated 20.8 million or 7% of the population (www.cdc.gov). Type 2 diabetes may have many causes, but the most consistently cited are the rising incidence of overweight and obesity, and a decrease in physical activity. Due to hectic lifestyles, fast food and processed foods have become the norm for many and this has led to the intake of more fat, sugar and salt, and a decrease in dietary fiber.
The diabetes team at KVCH stresses that the more knowledge a person with diabetes obtains, the more successful they will become in preventing complications resulting from the disease such as eye, nerve and kidney damage and heart disease. The Diabetes Info Fair is a free event. Naomi Kakiuchi’s cooking demonstrations are conducted at 3, 4 and 5 P.M.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michele Wentzel
509-654-2641
REMODEL AND EXPANSION OF CLE ELUM MEDICAL CENTER IS COMPLETE DATE FOR OPEN HOUSE ANNOUNCED
Completion of the modernized medical center affirms the commitment of Hospital Districts No.1 & 2 to providing exceptional community healthcare to the growing needs of Upper Kittitas County.
CLE ELUM, Wash, February 19, 2008-- Kittitas County Public Hospital District No. 2 announces the completion of the remodel and expansion of the Cle Elum Medical Center. The medical center, located at 201 Alpha Way, now incorporates the previously separate Cle Elum Urgent Care Center into the same building and is operated by Kittitas Valley Community Hospital.
Collaboration and two years of research and planning from both hospital districts were key factors in creating the vision for the transformation of the modernized medical center. “This project is the culmination of significant effort to provide a new level of service to the Upper County.” said Eric Jensen, Chief Executive Officer, Kittitas Valley Community Hospital.
“The facility accommodates the expanding needs of the community and ensures that care is available to those who seek it.” stated Harold Brockman, Superintendent for Hospital District No. 2 and Chief Financial Officer for KVCH. The medical center now provides additional space for primary care physicians, patient examining rooms, added space and improved facilities and equipment for the Urgent Care Center.
The Cle Elum Medical Center has been caring for Kittitas County residents since 1980 and offers a broad spectrum of family medical services for patients of all ages. Care performed at the Cle Elum Medical Center includes a team of five physicians: Dr. John Anderson, Dr. Paul Schmitt, Dr. Elizabeth Wise, Dr. Mark Hoover, Dr. Sam Schneider and a physician assistant, Mr. Rob Merkel.
The Open House celebrating the completion of the Cle Elum Medical Center is scheduled for Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 11 am. Guest speakers will share a few words about the success of the project followed by tours of the facility.
###
KVCH Welcomes New Director for Emergency Department and
Cle Elum Urgent Care Center
Ellensburg, WA, January 24, 2008 --- KVCH is pleased to announce James Benson-Valdes, R.N., B.S.N. has been named Director of the Emergency Department and Cle Elum Urgent Care Center. Benson-Valdes relocated to Ellensburg from Miami, Florida where he served as the Charge R.N. for Emergency Services at Baptist Health Systems, Baptist Hospital for the past eight years. Baptist Hospital accommodates a 50- bed Level II Trauma Adult Emergency Department with a 20 bed Pediatric Emergency Unit, Chest Pain Center and Rapid Treatment Services.
“Jim brings a broad-based expertise to KVCH. His extensive experience is the result of working with a variety of clinical departments throughout his career and combined with working in various sized hospitals. These experiences allow Jim to bring fresh, new ideas to the organization and to contribute even more to KVCH as the Emergency Director,” said Craig Wilson, Patient Care Administrator and Chief Nursing Officer. This “broad-based” experience Wilson speaks of includes positions held in Florida as Charge R.N. for Labor and Delivery, Assistant Nurse Manager for Post Anesthesia Recovery and Assistant Nurse Manager for Endoscopy. Benson-Valdes served as the Temporary Director of Nursing for Florence Community Hospital in Florence, Arizona, managed Ambulatory Care Center of the General Internal Medicine Division for Hitchcock Clinic in Lebanon, New Hampshire and has also provided services as a Legal Nurse Consultant in Rutland, Vermont.
“Everyone I have met in Ellensburg has been very genuine and welcoming,” Benson-Valdes said, “I felt connected to the community when I arrived and have been enjoying local recreation and the family- oriented atmosphere.” Benson-Valdes had been searching for a new situation that would provide a safer environment for his seven-year-old daughter and a place where they both could enjoy living in a relaxed community that contrasts dramatically to the fast pace of Miami.
James Benson-Valdes received an associate degree in Nursing from Linn-Benton Community College in Albany, Oregon and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Phoenix. He is in the process of fulfilling a master’s program from the University of Phoenix that includes a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N), Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) and Health Care Management (H.C).
KVCH is committed to providing the community with exceptional emergency care. The emergency department provides 24-hour urgent and emergent medical care in a modern and fully equipped facility. A certified emergency physician is on duty 24-hours-a-day, in addition to a team of emergency-trained registered nurses, nursing assistants and support staff. KVCH is also designated as a Level IV trauma service by the Washington state Department of Health.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2007
Contact: Nancy Kunst
509-925-5771
Cle Elum Medical Center remodel approved by District
CLE ELUM, WA. --- Kittitas County Public Hospital District No. 2 held a special meeting of the board March 8th to approve a construction contract with V.K. Powell Construction of Yakima for the remodel and expansion of Cle Elum Medical Center (formerly Cle Elum Family Medicine Center).
Hospital District No. 1, No. 2 and CEMC physicians have been working on this project for nearly two years to address the growing healthcare needs of Upper County residents.
"When completed this facility will accommodate the needs of our community and ensure that care is available to those who seek it," said Harold Brockman, Superintendent for Hospital District No. 2 and Chief Financial Officer for KVCH.
The remodel will increase the size of the current medical facility located at 201 Alpha Way to include the Cle Elum Urgent Care Center. It will also create more patient rooms for both centers, modernize the entire facility and create additional space for visiting specialists. The new facility will also provide additional space for more primary care physicians.
Cle Elum Medical Center is also hiring two new physicians to increase the amount of care for patients. Dr. Mark Hoover will begin work at CEMC July 1, 2007, replacing Dr. Wendy Owens. Another physician, Dr. Sam Schneider, will be joining the practice within the next six months as well.
"This project is the culmination of significant effort by numerous individuals and groups to provide a new level of care and service to the Upper County," said Eric Jensen, Chief Executive Officer for KVCH. "We are very proud to have been a partner in creating the vision for this facility and medical center.
Construction is being paid for through issuance of a special revenue bond by District No 2. Repayment of the bond will come from a 25-year lease on the facility by District No. 1. KVCH owns both the Cle Elum Medical Center and Urgent Care Center practices, while District No. 2 owns the facility.
The project is estimated to be completed by the end of November 2007. A ground breaking ceremony will be scheduled in the coming weeks to officially start construction. Both Cle Elum Medical Center and Urgent Care Center will be fully operational during construction in their current locations.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 6, 2006
Contact: Nancy Kunst
509-925-5771
KVCH Community Health Library Award Ceremony and Open House
In March of 2006 the Community Health Library, a service of Kittitas Valley Community Hospital, was honored as the state winner for the 2006 Health Information Award for Libraries from the U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science. Last year's winner was the University of Washington Health Sciences Library.
On July 11th at 12:15 p.m. the KVCH Community Health Library will be presented with the award by Jan Walsh, Washington State librarian, and Rand Simmons, program manager for library development in Washington State. An open house will follow that will include tours of the library and resources available to all members of the community as well as door prizes and refreshments for those who attend.
For more information please contact Melanie Jones, KVCH Community Health Librarian, at 933-7533 or mjones@kvch.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2006
Contact: Nancy Kunst
509-925-5771
Saving 100K Lives, One Patient at a Time
ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- Eighteen months ago, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) challenged the nation's hospitals to re-think their medical practices and save an additional 100,000 lives. As the campaign closed earlier this week, 122,300 lives were saved and 1,500 of those came from Washington State. Washington was the first state of its size to secure 100 percent participation in the "100K Lives" campaign.
"KVCH is proud to have been part of such a milestone in healthcare," said Craig Wilson, Assistant Administrator for Patient Care Services at KVCH. "The changes we have made in how we care for our patients will serve as a benchmark for continual improvements in healthcare at KVCH."
The campaign identified six practices that would help protect patients when they are most vulnerable. KVCH has been working diligently on three of the six interventions which include improving treatment for heart attack patients, surgical infection prevention and prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia.
Through the implementation of these new standards of practice, KVCH has achieved a remarkable level of success and are now enacting two more interventions for the prevention of central line blood stream infections and medication reconciliation.
Medication reconciliation is a specific process to obtain the most accurate patient medication list at any given time. Keeping this list current and accurate is one of the greatest challenges for both the patient and physician.
"Patients who take more than one medication are often unaware of the doses and specific names," said Sharon Johnson, Director of Quality Management for KVCH. "The mixture of certain medications can be hazardous and this information is extremely important for physicians as they work to treat a patient's acute illness or disease."
To combat this risk, many KVCH physicians carry a handheld computer, called a PDA, that contains a list of all FDA approved medications and all medical diagnosis'. If a physician has a question about specific symptoms and the appropriate treatment, this device can tell them. It is also extremely useful when prescribing new medications to cross check the interaction of a patient's current prescriptions.
Patients can help KVCH's efforts by keeping their own medication list. This list should include not only prescription medications but herbals, vitamins and other supplements. Patients need to make sure it is updated every time a change is made to a dose or schedule for taking the medication. Bringing the actual medication containers to the hospital and doctor's office regularly will help all healthcare professionals keep the list as accurate as possible.
The 100K Lives campaign has been instrumental in the creation of networks that allow KVCH to connect with healthcare experts, other medical offices and high achieving facilities. Working together to improve patient safety has improved health care throughout the state, as well as creating a new standard of care in American hospitals.
If you have questions about medication reconciliation or any of the other live saving initiatives that have been implemented by KVCH, please contact Patient Care Services at 962-7320.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2006
Contact: Nancy Kunst
509-925-5771
KVCH Physical Rehabilitation Services expands to a new location
ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- Recognizing the need for more therapeutic
services, Kittitas Valley Community Hospital Physical
Rehabilitation Services have expanded to open a satellite location for
speech and occupational therapy. The move is temporary while a new
larger facility is being built to house the entire department.
"The addition of new staff to accommodate the needs of our patients
has also shown us that we need a larger facility," said Paul Goebel,
Director of Physical Rehabilitation for KVCH. "We hope to have the
new building completed late 2007."
The new location for occupational and speech therapy provides more
patient rooms and appropriate space for therapists to complete
paperwork. With the vacancy of speech and occupational therapy from
the main office, physical therapy now has more room for their patients
as well.
Occupational therapy assists people in developing skills for the job
of living that are necessary for independent and satisfying lives.
Treating patients of all ages that suffer from lymphedema, carpal
tunnel, arthritis, vision impairment or a learning problem among other
problems, the occupational therapists develop a program that is
specific to each person's needs.
Speech therapy involves the assessment, treatment and prevention of
communication disorders. This includes disorders of speech, language
and swallowing. Communication disorders can be congenital or acquired,
and can affect individuals of any age. The KVCH speech pathologists
begin with a comprehensive evaluation to develop and personalize the
care that is delivered.
The new speech and occupational therapy office is located at 302 E
Second Street in Ellensburg. The office is open Monday through Friday
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule an appointment please call
933-8677.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2006
Contact: Nancy Kunst
509-925-5771
Do Not Give Out Social Security Numbers Over the Phone
ELLENSBURG, Wash.— Kittitas Valley Community Hospital conducts on-going customer service surveys to assure the highest quality care is received by all patients. These surveys are conducted through telephone interviews by the Jackson Organization, a marketing research company located in Maryland.
Recently, phone calls have been made to individuals in the community by persons impersonating our survey marketing group. They are specifically asking for a social security number of someone within the household.
This is NOT a practice of KVCH or the Jackson Organization and this information should not be given out. As part of the survey process some personal information is obtained, but requesting a social security number is not one of them.
“We want to assure the community that KVCH is not in the practice of obtaining social security numbers over the phone and this information should be safeguarded from anyone who is not a known entity,” said Craig Wilson, KVCH Assistant Administrator, Patient Care Services.
If you feel you have been contacted by anyone impersonating the Jackson Group or KVCH, please contact KVCH immediately at 962-9841. We will notify the proper authorities on your behalf.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2006
Contact: Nancy Kunst
509-925-5771
Diabetes Education Classes Starting Soon
ELLENSBURG, Wash.--The number of people with type 2 diabetes in the United States has doubled in the past two decades, to an estimated 14.7 million, making the disease the country's fastest-growing public health problem.
Diabetes comes in several forms, all characterized by elevated levels of sugar in the blood. Some 95 percent of all cases are type 2 diabetes, which is largely associated with an inactive lifestyle and weight gain. Type 1 diabetes, which is thought to stem more from genetic factors, affects a smaller number and has not risen significantly in recent years.
The diabetes specialists at KVCH are working towards helping those diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes to effectively manage the disease through comprehensive education.
“Medical guidelines for people diagnosed with diabetes include self-management training as a key piece of the care plan,” said Merrily Warren, RN and Certified Diabetes Educator for KVCH.
On June 13, 2006, a new six-week class session will begin at KVCH for those diagnosed with this disease. The classes meet every Tuesday from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Each class has been designed for those who have been newly diagnosed with diabetes, as well as for patients who would like to gain better control over their disease.
“There’s good research evidence that indicates the people who take control of their disease through education have greater success long term,” said Warren.
The classes have been offered at KVCH for nine years and have been a foundation for those diagnosed with the disease.
Margie McBride of Ellensburg is a patient of Dr. Larson. She attended the educational series and found that the programs have helped her take better care of herself.
“I am glad that my doctor suggested I take the classes,” said Margie McBride. “I’m certainly more aware of what diabetes is all about and how important it is that it be controlled.”
Each week a new topic will be discussed. The Diabetes Education Program at KVCH is recognized by the American Diabetes Association as meeting national standards for self-management education.
Week 1: Understanding Diabetes - General overview of the disease
Week 2: Learn What You Can Eat - Guidance with meal planning
Week 3: Road to Success – Management of stress and importance of increasing activity
Week 4: Diet / Food Sleuthing Skills – How to read package labels and the relevance of fat in the diet.
Week 5: Making Sense of Blood Sugar Numbers – How to read patterns in blood sugar testing
Week 6: Carbohydrate Counting – Techniques for managing carbohydrates in the meal plan.
The fee for each class is $47 and is covered by Medicare/Medicaid and most private insurance. A referral is required from a physician for insurance billing. Those who do not have insurance can apply for scholarships to attend the classes through the KVCH Diabetes Education office.
For more information or to enroll in the classes, contact Merrily Warren in the KVCH Diabetes Education office at (509)962-7373.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 06, 2006
Contact: Nancy Kunst
509-925-5771
KVCH Physical Rehabilitation Services Add Three New Therapists
ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- The Physical Rehabilitation Services at KVCH is pleased to announce the appointment of three new permanent staff members to support the needs of Kittitas County residents.
This department has been without permanent staffing since 2004, relying on rotating staff from outside the county.
“With the addition of Natalie, Bobette, and Pat, we now have a full-time permanent staff,” says Paul Goebel, Director of Physical Rehabilitation. “All three of these professionals have been members of our community prior to working for KVCH and we are fortunate to have them working with our team.”
Natalie Joyce has joined KVCH with five years experience in the treatment of sports, orthopedic, and rehabilitative therapy as a Physical Therapist. A graduate of the University of Montana, she received her Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2001. She has practiced in Montana, Idaho, Colorado, and most recently in Ellensburg. Natalie is also a member of the American Physical Therapy Association.
Bobette Lyyski, a lifelong resident of Eastern Washington, joins KVCH as a Physical Therapy Assistant. A graduate of University of Washington, she received her physical therapy assistant certification from Green River Community College in 1997. Working with patients whose ages range from children to the elderly, she is skilled in assessment and mobilization techniques that include aquatic therapy.
Pat Bandy comes to KVCH with fourteen years experience as a Physical Therapy Assistant. Working mainly in outpatient therapy, she specializes in orthotics and balance training. Pat is a graduate of University of North Carolina Wilmington and received her physical therapy assistant certification in 1992 from Central Piedmont Community College in North Carolina. She has worked in North Carolina, Virginia, and has spent the last 10 years working in Kittitas County.
Two more therapists are expected to join the department by August to accommodate this growing practice.
The Physical Rehabilitation Services of KVCH supports all residents of Kittitas County. For more information about the services available, please contact them at (509)962-7386.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2006
Contact: Nancy Kunst
509-925-5771
KVCH Health Library Receives National Award
ELLENSBURG, Wash.—The Community Health Library, a service of Kittitas Valley Community Hospital (KVCH), has been named the state winner for the 2006 Health Information Award for Libraries from the U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science. Last year’s winner was the University of Washington Health Sciences Library.
The Awards are designed to encourage library programs to address a variety of health-related topics including dietary choices, exercise, smoking cessation, alcohol/drug abuse prevention or cessation, immunization and health screening, and health information literacy.
The candidates came from 41 states with over 80 entries. The Washington Secretary of State is planning a presentation ceremony in Olympia for the library.
The Community Health Library opened on the KVCH campus in April of 1998 after more than a year of planning and fundraising. According to Joan Glover, KVCH Commissioner, “The original vision was for a place where current health information would be readily accessible to patients, families, students and others. What we didn’t know was how important it would become for health care professionals as well.”
Eric Jensen, KVCH Administrator, recalled that the library’s creation was the result of cooperation among the hospital, the public library, CWU, and the Health Department. “Together we saw a need, and it is impressive to see that the library has expanded beyond our vision,” said Jensen.
“Our goal at the KVCH Community Health library is to interview each patron to find out what their needs are and to address those needs,” said Melanie Jones, Library Coordinator for KVCH. “Our collections on Diabetes, Breast Cancer, Healthy Eating, and Wellness are among the largest in the library.”
Beyond books, the library also has access to a number of medical journals and databases, as well as numerous videos. The library is open to anyone in Kittitas County and it makes special accommodations for residents of Upper County and the home bound by providing mail service.
The KVCH Community Health Library is located at 603 South Chestnut Street in Ellensburg, next to the Valley Clinic.
For more information about the KVCH Community Health Library please contact Melanie Jones at 933-7533
TOP FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2005
Contact: Nancy Kunst
509-925-5771
KVCH launches Nuclear Medicine testing
ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- Kittitas Valley Community Hospital has expanded Imaging Services to include Nuclear Medicine, an enhanced diagnostic imaging scan commonly used to diagnose heart disease. Patients can now be tested in Ellensburg without having to drive to Yakima.
“One of the primary uses is for diagnosing problems with the cardiovascular system,” said Craig Wilson, KVCH assistant administrator of patient care services. “Nuclear medicine actually allows the physician to see the function of the heart and coronary arteries.
KVCH Medical Director and Internist Dr. Rick Johnson said nuclear medicine is a potentially life saving technology because it is more detailed and accurate than earlier testing methods. “It is more sensitive for most kinds of heart disease than stress testing with Echocardiography. It allows us to see which artery is blocked and determine the most effective course of treatment.”
Johnson said nuclear medicine is also used to examine and diagnose:
Gall bladder disease;
Bone fractures and disease – It can detect fractures that don’t show up well on film, rare infections in the bone and bone cancers;
Thyroid – It can detect why it is under or over functioning and evaluate thyroid nodules.
Kidney blood flow – It can differentiate between inadequate blood supply or intrinsic kidney disease.
Johnson said nuclear medicine scans are digitally transmitted to Scripps Clinic in San Diego for reading and KVCH physicians have the results back within a day.
The Nuclear Medicine mobile service is available one day, every other week at KVCH and tests can be scheduled through a patient’s primary care physician or by a referral to a specialist. Certain medications may have to be discontinued for a period of time prior to testing.
Digirad, the world’s largest provider of mobile nuclear cardiology imaging services has contracted with KVCH to bring Nuclear Medicine to Ellensburg. Digirad provides the world’s first solid-state mobile gamma camera, which enables smaller hospitals to provide nuclear medicine testing without making the overhead investment for in-house equipment
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For Immediate Release
August 29, 2005
Contact: Nancy Kunst
509-925-5771
Dr. Wendy Owens joins Cle Elum Family Medicine
CLE ELUM, Wash. -- Dr. Wendy Owens, a native of the Cle Elum area, joined the physician staff of Cle Elum Family Medicine as a full-time family physician on August 1. Owens recently completed her residency in Olympia at Providence Saint Peters Family Medicine Residency Program.
“My father’s family has been in Cle Elum for ages. I was here as a child and then moved away. I’ve always loved it here and am excited to move back,” Owens said. Her dad, Richard, and grandfather, Bud, both still live in the area.
After growing up in Ohio, Owens attended Columbia University in New York City for her undergraduate degree and Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio for her medical degree.
Owens said that she was attracted to family medicine because it allows her to work with families from the youngest to the oldest members. “Meeting the whole family is the fun part. I treat everyone from the new baby to addressing the specific needs grandma and grandpa may be facing as they reach their senior years.”
“It is the grandeur and beauty of the Cascades that brought me back to the area and I look forward to spending every possible moment that I can in the outdoors,” she said.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Owens, contact the Cle Elum Family Medical Center at 509-674-5331 or 509-962-5060.
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For Immediate Release
July 21, 2005
Contact: Nancy Kunst
509-925-5771
Joint-District Planning Committee education mailer
hits mailboxes countywide this week
ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Kittitas County residents can expect to receive a report in the mail this week that describes what was learned and accomplished during the two-year District Joint Planning process to explore healthcare needs in Kittitas County. The committee received a $60,000 Health Systems Resources grant from the state Department of Health to carry out this work.
The report includes results from a countywide survey conducted in May 2005. The Joint Planning Committee commissioned a survey of 549 households, 284 from District 1 (Lower County) and 265 from District 2 (Upper County). The survey was conducted by Health Facilities Planning and Development of Seattle and has a margin of error of +- 4 points.
Key findings of the survey include:
People who are familiar with Kittitas Valley Community Hospital have a very high opinion of the hospital.
61% of those with an opinion give the overall patient care at KVCH the absolute highest rating, “Excellent” (over 80% higher than in 1996).
In fact, 94% of those with an opinion rated the overall patient care at KVCH as good or excellent.
Upper County residents understand the limitations of rural healthcare and are telling us to focus on the basics, including emergency response times and urgent care.
KVCH is the preferred hospital for nearly three-quarters of the County’s residents (up from 62% in 2000)
More residents than ever are choosing to see Kittitas County-based specialists rather than traveling out of the area.
Upper County residents are over 4 times more likely to say that the quality of healthcare in Upper County has improved rather than worsened over the past five years.
79% of Upper County residents support an even more active role for KVCH in the local healthcare system (up from 65% in 2000).
Improvement is needed for non-urgent physician appointment times throughout the County. Residents are waiting longer to see a physician for non-urgent matters than they have in the past.
Hospital District #1 Board Chair Jack Baker said, “This report is designed to inform the citizens about our two-year process. Although work under the grant is complete, we have decided to continue working together to better provide Kittitas County residents with quality, reliable healthcare throughout Kittitas County.”
Hosptial District #2 Board member Floyd Rogalski said, “Balancing rural healthcare in a growing community is always a challenge. We’re truly encouraged by the progress this committee has made.”
At its June meeting, the committee agreed that, based on its success and growing community needs, it will continue its mission even though grant funding has ended. The next meeting will be scheduled in September.
Members of the Joint District Planning Committee include: David Bowen, Kittitas County Commissioner; Virginia Craven, community member; Jerry Decker, Cashmere Valley Bank; Steve Reinke, KITTCOM; Patricia Hein, Shoemaker Manufacturing; Dr. John Anderson, Cle Elum Family Medicine; Hospital District 1 Board Member Jack Baker; Hospital District 1 Board Member Joan Glover; Hospital District 2 Board Member Cheryl Ficele; Hospital District 2 Board Member Floyd Rogalski; Harold Brockman, Public Hospital District 2 Superintendent; and Eric Jensen, Public Hospital District 1 Administrator.
In addition, Jody Corona, facilitator and joint planning committee consultant participated in committee meetings
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For Immediate Release
May 11, 2005
Contact: Nancy Kunst
509-925-5771
KVCH volunteer program recognized for excellence by the American Medical Association
ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Kittitas Valley Community Hospital’s Patient Assistance Program assists low income citizens to get the prescription drugs they need, free of charge. Volunteers from the community service program were honored by the American Hospital Association, receiving one of four national Hospital Awards for Volunteer Excellence.
Karen Schock, director of volunteer services at KVCH and the lead volunteer, Joy Thomas of Ellensburg went to Washington D.C. for a May 1 ceremony to accept the award.
Schock said that the extensive application procedures and forms to receive needed prescriptions without charge overwhelm many patients so KVCH developed a way to help. “Volunteers act as a liaison for the patient with their doctor and pharmaceutical company to ensure that all paperwork is completed as required,” she said.
“The program is made possible by the volunteers who commit their time, the physicians who do the referrals and verifications, and of course the pharmaceutical companies,” Schock said.
Volunteers maintain ongoing and frequent contact with the patients so that refill requirements are met and medications will be available without interruption. The program started in 2001 with five patients. Now five volunteers serve 175 patients at two locations in Kittitas County.
On average, each patient receives three prescriptions at $70 per prescription. As long as they remain eligible for the program they can continue to reapply. In 2004 KVCH volunteers procured $36,750 in free medications.
The Hospital Awards for Volunteer Excellence is in its 21st year and highlights the extraordinary efforts of volunteer programs and the positive impact their contributions have on the patients, hospitals, health systems and the communities they serve. Other recipients of this year’s awards include hospitals from Missouri, New Mexico and Louisiana.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2005
Contact: Nancy Kunst
509-925-5771
New Web Resource Gives Hospital Patients Quality Information
ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) unveiled a new consumer web site today, Hospital Compare. The web site provides instant, objective, easy-to-use and free information about the quality of hospital care in Washington State and nationwide. CMS is the federal agency that runs Medicare and Medicaid.
The hospital quality information is available at www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov. Select Compare Hospitals in Your Area, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Kittitas Valley Community Hospital, along with many other hospitals in Washington State, is an enthusiastic participant in Hospital Compare. Enrollment and submission of data to Hospital Compare is voluntary.
“Medicare and Medicaid’s new Web resource, Hospital Compare, gives the public information to help them to become informed consumers of hospital care,” said Eric Jensen, administrator. “We encourage consumers to use this tool and to contact the hospital, or to talk with their physician if they have questions about the information presented.”
KVCH Director of Medical Affairs Dr. Rick Johnson said, "We are pleased with our positive performance in several areas. Our hospital is embarking on a major project to deliver standardized medical care that is patterned after best evidence based practice from throughout the United States".
Jonathan Sugarman, CEO of Qualis Health said, “As the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization in Washington State charged with working with hospitals to improve their quality of care, we have seen firsthand how hospitals are making changes and improving,” said “We commend our state’s hospitals for making quality a top priority every day.”
The new resource was developed by CMS, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with nearly every eligible hospital in the nation. It reports quality of care information for hospitals on three common conditions: heart attack, heart failure, and pneumonia.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2005
Contact: Nancy Kunst
509-925-5771
KITTITAS VALLEY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL ANNOUNCES THE ADDITION OF ADVANCED COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) SCANNER
The New LightSpeed CT Scanner From GE Medical Systems Provides High-Resolution Images To Facilitate Earlier, More Accurate Diagnosis
ELLENSBURG, – Kittitas Valley Community Hospital has acquired a new LightSpeed16 Computed Tomography (CT) machine that provides three-dimensional images of the human body. According to Craig Wilson, Assistant Administrator of Patient Care Services, KVCH patients can now receive the same state of the art technology here in Ellensburg that is available in larger facilities throughout the state.
The LightSpeed16 CT scanner, manufactured by GE Medical Systems, now allows doctors to view multi-dimensional wafer-thin images of a patient’s body and internal organs within seconds, reducing exam time for patients. The system provides exceptionally high-resolution images that help doctors to more accurately diagnose patients than ever before.
“The addition of this new CT system further complements and expands the range of quality diagnostic services that KVCH offers Kittitas County residents,” said Wilson. “LightSpeed16 technology will provide us with vastly improved image quality, an entry into new applications for computed tomography, and an overall enhanced diagnostic confidence on all our studies.”
CT exams are used when people are ill or injured, or when a doctor suspects a medical problem that is not easily detectable from a normal physical examination. CT scans non-invasively assist physicians in the diagnosis of a variety of areas throughout the body.
The CT system is the fourth evolution of GE’s award-winning LightSpeed® CT platform, the CT scanning system that revolutionized the industry in 1998.
Originally developed in the 1970s, CT or “CAT” scans combine the power of X-ray technology and computers -- allowing physicians the ability to view wafer-thin cross-sections of internal anatomy without the need for surgery.
About KVCH
Kittitas Valley Community Hospital is located in Ellensburg and offers 24-hour emergency care, inpatient and outpatient surgical services, critical care, family birthing center, respiratory care, laboratory, and imaging services.
TOP FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2005
Contact: Nancy Kunst
509-925-5771
Hospital District 1 Board votes to approve purchase of Cle Elum Family Medicine Center
ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Kittitas County Public Hospital District 1 Board of Commissioners voted at their monthly meeting last night to proceed with negotiations to purchase the Cle Elum Family Medicine Center practice and employ staff and physicians at the clinic. The decision reflects Kittitas Valley Community Hospital’s role in maintaining and expanding access to healthcare for Kittitas County residents.
“The hospital serves all of Kittitas County and we are committed to preserving access to physicians not only in Ellensburg, but throughout the county,” said Board President Jack Baker.
Dr. John Anderson said, “This purchase gives the clinic the support and resources needed to take healthcare quality and access to the next level in Upper County.”
Cle Elum Family Medicine Center serves approximately 8,000 patients from Upper and Lower County and is accepting new patients. The practice is currently owned by a partnership of Paul Schmitt, MD, John Anderson, MD and Elizabeth Wise, MD. In addition, the clinic also employs Rob Merkel, PA-C. Dr. Anderson said that the practice plans to recruit one more full-time family practice physician this year.
KVCH Administrator Eric Jensen said, “Maintaining access to quality primary care and financial viability are two key reasons for the trend among rural hospitals of owning and operating more physician practices. Part of our mission is to provide stability in rural healthcare and maintain a healthy balance of primary, specialty, emergency and hospital care.
Plans to remodel and expand office space of Cle Elum Family Medicine Center are underway by Hospital District 2, which owns the clinic building. Part of the expansion plans include co-locating the Cle Elum Urgent Care Center with the clinic so that x-ray and laboratory services can be shared. Additional space for visiting specialists and anticipated growth at the clinic and urgent care center will be part of the project.
Exploration of the purchase of Cle Elum Family Medicine by Hospital District 1 partly came out of the ongoing joint planning process between Hospital Districts 1 and 2. The two Hospital Districts have pursued joint planning to evaluate the ability of the current healthcare system to meet the needs of Kittitas County residents and to address the projected service gaps anticipated from the county’s growing population and the demand they will generate.
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