Category Archives: Ascension Via Christi
Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg President Drew Talbott to retire
Pittsburg, Kan. — August 6, 2024 — After 30 years of exemplary service, Drew Talbott, president of Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg for the past four years, will retire as of August 30, 2024.
Talbott joined Via Christi in 1996 and became the hospital’s interim president in November 2020. His interim title was removed two months later. Before becoming hospital president, he served for 13 years as the hospital’s chief operating officer and for 11 years as its director of Information Systems.
“Drew has spent thirty years serving the hospital in Pittsburg, long before it was a part of the Via Christi system,” said Kevin Strecker, Via Christi’s Market Ministry CEO. “He’s been a dedicated servant leader and I can’t thank him enough for his service.”
Under Talbott’s leadership, Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg has received countless awards for high-quality care, including:
- “A” Hospital Safety Grades from The Leapfrog Group
- Get With The Guidelines, Stroke Gold Plus Award from American Heart Association
- Infant and Maternal Health from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund
- Gold Environmental Excellence award from Stryker
“I have enjoyed three decades of watching talent develop, families grow, patients heal, and yes, mourn the loss of those whom we’ve loved and who continue to inspire us,” Talbott said in an email to hospital associates. “While there is no such thing as perfect timing to wind down my very special time in Pittsburg, I am replete knowing our hospital has a sustainable future with a tremendous talent pool, and an enthusiastic new sponsor in Mercy Health System.”
Talbott’s final day as president comes one day before Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg transitions to be under the sponsorship of Mercy Health System on September 1, 2024.
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About Via Christi
Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Via Christi is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. In Kansas, Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 134 other sites of care and employs more than 6,400 associates. Via Christi is sponsored by Ascension, a national health system that operates more than 2,600 sites of care – including 139 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states. Ascension includes more than 134,000 associates and 35,000 aligned providers. In FY2023, Ascension provided $2.2 billion in care of persons living in poverty and support for community benefit programs. Visit www.ascension.org.
Tri-Valley Receives Donation From Fort Scott Public Library
On June 27th, the Fort Scott Public Library donated 108 audio books to Tri-Valley Developmental Services.
Jennifer Gum-Fowler, Library Director, recently weeded items from the library shelves and wanted to send the items back into the community. She stated “The idea is to get a new book in someone else’s hands.” She thought that Tri-Valley would benefit from the audio books. Grace Kramer, Employment Coordinator stated “We are very appreciative of the director thinking about us and the books will be put to a good use; everyone will be able to enjoy them.”
Primary Technology Restored at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg
Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan and Wamego Health Center have successfully restored the primary technology used for electronic patient documentation in care settings.
This technology was successfully restored for the four Wichita hospitals: Via Christi St. Francis, St. Joseph, St. Teresa and the Rehabilitation Hospital. It was also restored for Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg.
All Via Christi hospitals in Kansas have successfully restored EHR access. This will allow most hospital departments, physician offices, and clinics to use electronic documentation and charting. Patients should see improved efficiencies and wait times. The team continues to work tirelessly to restore other ancillary technology systems.
Via Christi Cybersecurity Update
Ascension continues to work expeditiously alongside industry-leading cybersecurity experts in our efforts to safely restore systems across our network. Please know our hospitals and facilities remain open and are providing patient care. Patients should continue to visit the regional updates portion of this webpage for the latest information on a state-by-state basis.
Ascension continues to make progress in our efforts to safely restore systems across our network. Restoring our Electronic Health Record (EHR) continues to be among one of the top priorities of our recovery process.
To date, we have successfully restored EHR access in our Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Maryland, Central Texas (Ascension Seton and Dell Children’s hospitals), and Oklahoma markets. We are still working toward completing EHR restoration across our entire ministry by June 14.
For patients who receive care in Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Maryland, Central Texas, and Oklahoma, access to your patient portal has been restored. However, please note that medical records and other information between May 8th and June 6th may not be accessible as we work to update the portal with information collected during the system downtime. For record availability during that time frame, please contact your clinician’s office. Please note that, due to high volumes, responses to portal messages may experience a slight delay.
Thank you to our patients and community for your patience and support, and to our dedicated clinicians who continue to provide quality care.
Via Christi Cybersecurity Event Update
Via Christi Cybersecurity Event Update
National Update
Ascension previously reported that it experienced a ransomware attack that has caused disruptions to patient care in its network. Our priority remains on providing safe patient care. Ascension, with the support of leading cybersecurity experts, worked around the clock over the weekend to respond to the ransomware incident affecting our systems. We are focused on restoring systems safely. We are making progress, however, it will take time to return to normal operations. As systems and services come back online, we will share those updates so that our patients and communities can plan accordingly. We have established a dedicated website to share any updates we have across our system. We will be expanding the site this week to provide updates related to healthcare services as they relate to specific regions.
We encourage anyone seeking information surrounding the incident or with questions about the operational status of Ascension facilities to visit this page for the latest updates – https://about.ascension.org/
Via Christi Update
All Ascension Via Christi hospitals, physician offices, and care sites across Kansas remain open and operational. Despite the challenges posed by the recent ransomware incident, patient safety continues to be our utmost priority. Our dedicated doctors, nurses, and care teams are demonstrating incredible thoughtfulness and resilience as we use manual and paper based systems during the ongoing disruption to normal systems.
We thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this unexpected situation. Rest assured, our commitment to the health and safety of our community remains our highest priority.
Can I go to my doctor’s appointment?
Ascension Via Christi Medical Partners doctor’s offices and care sites are operating with normal business hours, and all scheduled appointments are proceeding as planned.
Due to the transition to manual systems for patient documentation, patients may encounter longer than usual wait times and some delays. To help expedite processes, patients should bring notes on symptoms and a list of current medications, including prescription numbers or bottles. In the event that appointments need to be rescheduled, an Ascension associate will contact patients directly.
Can I get my prescription filled?
Ascension Rx retail pharmacies in Kansas cannot fill your prescription at this time. If a prescription was filled prior to May 8, 2024, and is awaiting pickup, that is available for the patient. If a patient needs a refill, they need to contact their prescriber and get a new prescription sent to a pharmacy outside of Ascension Rx.
Is Via Christi Immediate Care on Murdock open?
At this time, the Via Christi Immediate Care on Murdock is fully operating. Due to the transition to manual systems for patient documentation and care at certain centers, patients may encounter longer than usual wait times and some delays.
Are Ascension’s emergency rooms open?
All Via Christi emergency rooms remain open. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911, and local emergency services will transport you to the most appropriate hospital emergency room.
Can I still have my surgery?
Patients with upcoming scheduled elective surgeries should plan to arrive as planned unless otherwise notified. Should any rescheduling be necessary, a member of our care team will contact you directly.
Due to the transition to manual systems for patient documentation, patients may encounter longer than usual wait times and some delays. To help expedite processes, patients should bring notes on symptoms and a list of current medications, including prescription numbers or bottles.
Will I be able to get my diagnostic imaging, other tests, and treatments?
Imaging, testing, and treatment are being offered at this time. Patients may experience delays, we are grateful for your patience. Should any rescheduling be necessary, a member of our care team will contact you directly.
Commitment to Quality Care:
Our care teams are well versed on dynamic situations and are appropriately trained to maintain high quality care during downtime. Our leadership, physicians, care teams, and associates are working tirelessly to ensure patient care continues with minimal to no interruption. We appreciate our community’s patience and understanding.
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About Via Christi
In Kansas, Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 134 other sites of care and employs more than 6,400 associates. In FY2023, Via Christi provided more than $65 million in community benefit programs. In FY2023, Via Christi provided $2.3 billion in care of persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs. Via Christi includes more than 150,000 associates and 40,000 aligned providers. Via Christ is sponsored by Ascension, a national health system that operates more than 2,600 sites of care – including 139 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Via Christi is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Visit www.ascension.org.
Ascension Via Christi Cyber Security Event On May 8
Submitted by: Scott Evans
Senior Director
External Communications
Ascension Via Christi, Wichtia
On Wednesday, May 8, Ascension Via Christi detected unusual activity on select technology network systems,due to a cyber security event.
“At this time we continue to investigate the situation. We responded immediately, initiated our investigation and activated our remediation efforts. Access to some systems have been interrupted as this process continues.
“Our care teams are trained for these kinds of disruptions and have initiated procedures to ensure patient care delivery continues to be safe and as minimally impacted as possible. There has been a disruption to clinical operations, and we continue to assess the impact and duration of the disruption.
“We have engaged Mandiant, a third party expert, to assist in the investigation and remediation process, and we have notified the appropriate authorities. Together, we are working to fully investigate what information, if any, may have been affected by the situation. Should we determine that any sensitive information was affected, we will notify and support those individuals in accordance with all relevant regulatory and legal guidelines.
“We are reaching out to our business partners to ensure they are aware of the situation so they can take appropriate steps to safeguard their systems. We encourage all business partners to coordinate with the Ascension Technology partners to address any specific questions.
“This is an ongoing situation and we will provide updates as we learn more. For the most recent information please visit: https://about.ascension.org/
Via Christi Hospital Earns An “A” Hospital Safety Grade
Colon cancer screening a potential life-saver
For the past six years, Ascension Via Christi’s Cancer Outreach and Risk Assessment program has offered colorectal screening kits, while supplies last, at no cost to anyone 45 and older. Those whose stool samples test positive for blood are followed up by a nurse navigator and, if they need and cannot afford a colonoscopy, funding is available through a grant from the Colon Cancer Coalition.
That effort will continue again this year, through grant funding from the coalition to continue these efforts.
“The screening and follow-up colonoscopy may well have been a life-saver for patients who needed it,” says Lisa Schmidt. “Colorectal cancer screening is one of the most powerful weapons we have against colorectal cancer, which is the second-leading cause of cancer death for men and women combined.”
That’s because regular screening can detect polyps so that they can be removed before they have the chance to turn into cancer, a process that can take 10 to 15 years. It also helps detect colorectal cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage.
Schmidt, who had two pre-cancerous polyps removed during her first colonoscopy more than a decade ago and has had no findings during the two she has undergone since then, says taking part in the screening is easy.
Simply call 316-268-5890 to arrange for a kit to be mailed to you. Then follow the instructions provided for collecting a stool sample and return it in the self-addressed envelope provided with the kit. If the sample tests negative, the results will be sent by mail within a few weeks. If the specimen tests positive for traces of blood, an Ascension Via Christi nurse navigator will call you to discuss your results and recommended next steps.
According to the American Cancer Society, which recommends that anyone 45 or older get tested, the five-year relative survival rate is about 90 percent when colorectal cancer is found before it has spread. But only about four out of 10 colorectal cancers are found at this early stage. When cancer has spread outside the colon or rectum, survival rates are lower.
Symptoms can include rectal bleeding or blood in stool, changes in bowel habits and changes in bowel appearance; anyone experiencing any of these should see his or her doctor.
Learn more about cancer care at Ascension Via Christi by visiting ascension.org/ViaChristiCancerCare.
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About Ascension Via Christi
In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 134 other sites of care and employs more than 6,400 associates. In FY2023, Ascension Via Christi provided more than $65 million in community benefit programs. In FY2023, Ascension provided $2.3 billion in care of persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs. Ascension includes more than 150,000 associates and 40,000 aligned providers. The national health system operates more than 2,600 sites of care – including 139 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Visit www.ascension.org
Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg earns High 5 for Mom & Baby recognition
Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg earns High 5 for Mom & Baby recognition
Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg has continued its commitment to infant and maternal health by once again earning High 5 for Mom & Baby recognition from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, a program developed by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates in Kansas.
“Our OB team takes pride in caring for their patients and has continued to set the bar high,” says Janelle Wade, director of Inpatient Services, which includes Women’s Health. “I am so proud of their commitment to helping the approximately 600 babies born at our hospital each year get the healthiest possible start in life.”
Ascension Via Christi in Pittsburg first received High 5 recognition in 2018 and has maintained it each year since that time.
High 5 for Mom & Baby provides resources and a framework to help Kansas hospitals implement 10 evidence-based practices proven to support successful breastfeeding, improve maternal and infant health outcomes and reduce racial and ethnic health disparities.
To obtain this recognition, each facility is asked to complete a voluntary and self-reported evaluation and must follow five of its 10 evidence-based practices:
- Have a written maternity care and infant feeding policy that addresses all 10 High 5 for Mom & Baby practices supporting breastfeeding
- Maintain staff competency in lactation support
- Provide all expectant mothers with information and instruction on breastfeeding
- Assure immediate and sustained skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby after birth
- Provide all families individualized infant feeding counseling
- Give no food or drink to newborns other than breastmilk unless medically indicated
- Allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day
- Encourage feeding whenever the baby exhibits feeding cues, regardless of feeding methods
- Give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants
- Provide mothers with information about community resources for breastfeeding support following their discharge from the hospital
These steps are designed to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates in the state of Kansas. Factors that influence how long or if a baby is breastfed include hospital practices, education and encouragement, policies or support in the workplace, and access to community support.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, six out of 10 mothers stopped breastfeeding sooner than they had planned.
“We aim to provide the support that mothers and babies need to be successful through delivery and then breastfeeding, for as long as they desire to do so,” says Miranda Caskey, RN, the certified lactation consultant who led the hospital’s High 5 Mom & Baby efforts. “By empowering them to have better breastfeeding outcomes, we’re uplifting the health of our community.”
That support is critical, particularly during a pandemic, which is why Ascension Via Christi converted its lactation and childbirth education classes to virtual offerings led by a registered nurse and offered them at no cost to parents. Breastfeeding mothers also can schedule in-person follow-up appointments and weight checks with Caskey to help ensure a successful breastfeeding experience.
Earlier this year, Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg also earned designation from Blue Cross Blue Shield as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care, showing it demonstrates expertise and a commitment to cost-efficient quality care for vaginal and cesarean section deliveries and have better overall patient satisfaction.
To learn more about Labor and Delivery at Ascension Via Christi, visit viachristibaby.com.
For more information on the High 5 for Mom & Baby, contact Cara Gerhardt, program coordinator, at [email protected], or visit the website at https://www.high5kansas.org/
Ascension Via Christi Pittsburg Earns Distinction for Maternity Care
Ascension Via Christi hospitals designated
Blue Distinction Centers+ for Maternity Care
Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph, Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan and Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg have all earned designation by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as Blue Distinction Centers+ for Maternity Care.
St. Joseph is the only Wichita hospital to earn this quality recognition, which is based on Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s analysis of patient outcomes, satisfaction and additional measures collected as part of its 2023 Maternity Care Provider Survey.
According to Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Blue Distinction Centers+ for Maternity Care demonstrate expertise and a commitment to cost-efficient quality care for vaginal and cesarean section deliveries and have better overall patient satisfaction.
“The criteria for Blue Distinction Center+ designation covers virtually every aspect of maternity care, requiring a demonstrated team commitment to and focus on evidence-based best practices and protocols,” says Samer Antonios, MD, chief clinical officer for Ascension Via Christi. “Thanks to everyone involved for helping ensure that delivering mothers have the best possible experience and outcomes at our hospitals.”
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About Ascension Via Christi
In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 134 other sites of care and employs more than 6,400 associates. In FY2023, Ascension Via Christi provided more than $65 million in community benefit programs. In FY2023, Ascension provided $2.3 billion in care of persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs. Ascension includes more than 150,000 associates and 40,000 aligned providers. The national health system operates more than 2,600 sites of care – including 139 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Visit www.ascension.org.
Ascension Via Christi Fort Scott Emergency Department Departure: CHC Is Preparing For More People, Bo Co EMS Is Fully Staffed
The doors are locked once again at the former Fort Scott Mercy Hospital Emergency Room. Ascension Via Christi closed them on December 20, 2023, after four years of service. This following AVC’s announcement that they experienced “a decline in visits and …. other economic challenges,” according to a press release.
December 20: Ascension Via Christi Closes Emergency Department in Fort Scott
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas in Fort Scott has been preparing for the Ascension Via Christ Emergency Department departure by recruiting more providers, planning more training, and purchasing additional supplies.
CHC in Fort Scott provides care to about 125 to 150 people daily in its Walk-In Care department, which is part of the center at 2322 S. Main, Krista Postai, CEO of CHC/SEK said.
The Fort Scott Walk-In Care department sees people from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
Editors note: Taken from the CHC Facebook page
All CHC/SEK Walk-In Care locations will close at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve (Sunday, Dec. 24.)
All CHC/SEK locations will be closed on Christmas Day (Monday, Dec. 25). Normal hours of operation will resume on Tuesday, Dec. 26.
Postai said after visiting with the AVC administration she found that “their late evening/late night volume… was minimal,” It was then determined to keep their Walk-In Care hours as established.
“All our clinics are accustomed to having individuals walk in with serious problems (e.g. having a heart attack) and we are going to anticipate more and are preparing for these situations,” Posai said.
“We have been working to ensure that in addition to the medical provider ( a Nurse Practitioner or Physicians Assistant) ), there is always a more experienced registered nurse on duty and we have been recruiting for additional RNs for that purpose,” she said. “We have evaluated staff skill levels, supplies, and other resources and will provide additional training and supplies as necessary. We already have lab and diagnostic imaging (including CT scanning) and excellent clinical staff in place.”
“We have also met with local law enforcement and Emergency Medical Service staff and are working with them to coordinate care for patients, as well as visiting with Via Christi staff and Dr. Stebbins (their ER physician director) to discuss opportunities for closer collaboration on our referrals down to Pittsburg,” she said.
“We have reached out to Amberwell Health after reading of their interest in potentially staffing the ER and urged them to connect with us on their next visit to Fort Scott,” she said. “Unfortunately, we have yet to meet with them.”
“The concept of participating in the new Rural Emergency Hospital program was researched, but it was determined that only hospitals were eligible and, at this point in time, it is unlikely that will change,” she said.
“We are indeed very sorry to see Ascension Via Christi withdraw from Fort Scott, but understand there are other factors influencing their decision,” she said. “We have urged them to reconsider if these matters get resolved but recognize that southeast Kansas is not a major market for Ascension.”
Bourbon County EMS
Bourbon County EMS Director Teri Hulsey said “AVC closing is sad for the community, but we are fully staffed and ready for any call. We have six full-time paramedics and six full-time Emergency Medical Technicians and several part-time.”
“The only change will be transport times,” Hulsey said.
Cardiac patients will be transported to AVC in Pittsburg. Moms about to give birth can go to Nevada Regional Medical Center in Missouri or Pittsburg AVC. “It’s the patient’s choice,” Hulsey said.
“We have two first-out ambulances when a call comes, those go out,” Hulsey said. “For trauma (car wreck, a stroke, fall out of a tree) if we can get a helicopter either Joplin, MO or Overland Park Regional or Kansas University Medical Center in the Kansas City area. If a flight is not available, the patient will be transported.”
The Bourbon County EMS has seven ambulances that are supplied with “everything we need,” Hulsey said.