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Category Archives: Ascension Via Christi
Ascension Via Christi Hospital Earns National Distinction
Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg earns Leapfrog ‘A’ for safety
Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg has received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for fall 2023, a national distinction that recognizes hospitals’ achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and error.
“Receiving this recognition is truly a testament to the professionalism, dedication to safe patient care and the skills of our nurses, techs, medical staff and associates in our support staff,” says Drew Talbott, hospital president.
The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on more than 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.
The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harms to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated annually in the fall and spring.
“I appreciate every single one of our associates and medical staff and am thankful for the collaboration and teamwork that led us to achieve such an impactful recognition,” says Talbott.
To see details of Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg’s grade and access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.
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About Ascension Via Christi
In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and nearly 80 other sites of care and employs approximately 6,200 associates. In FY2023, Ascension Via Christi provided more than $65 million in community benefit programs. 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. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states. Visit www.ascension.org.
Behind the Scenes Work Is Happening to Bring Health Care to Bourbon County: More Is Needed
Ascension Via Christi of Pittsburg has been providing emergency services in Fort Scott since February 2019, following the closure of Mercy Hospital in 2018.
Yesterday it was announced they will be closing operations at the site, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., Fort Scott, on Dec. 20.
“This department has seen a steady decline in visits and its overall average daily census,” according to the AVC press release: Ascension Via Christi to close Emergency Department in Fort Scott on Dec. 20. “These factors, coupled with other economic challenges, have limited the emergency department’s ability to continue operations.”
“There are other providers in the region positioned to serve the residents of Fort Scott and neighboring communities,” Drew Talbot, president of Ascension Via Christi, Pittsburg, said in the press release. “These providers will help us ensure continuity of care for our patients as we approach closure.”
Fort Scott Mayor Matthew Wells is thankful to Ascension Via Christi (AVC) for providing an emergency department in Bourbon County, he said.
“It is very unfortunate
“While it might seem that all hope is lost…the City (0f Fort Scott) and (the Bourbon) County (Commission) have identified a capable operator and have also agreed to provide financial support to ensure the delivery of quality healthcare in Fort Scott,” Wells said.
“The parties involved have been working tirelessly to affect a smooth transition to the new operations,” Wells said. “However, there are some regulatory challenges at the state and federal level which we are actively working to navigate. These regulations have made it exceedingly difficult for rural communities to access quality healthcare, and this is a problem that extends beyond just Fort Scott.”
Amberwell Health is ready to begin providing an emergency department in Bourbon County, once the regulatory hurdles are accomplished, Wells said.
“It is a national issue that requires urgent attention and immediate action from our legislators,” Wells said. “Over 13 million children under 18 reside in rural areas throughout the United States, and they, along with our seniors and all members of society, require access to emergency services. We need the legislatures to do what is necessary to change these regulations, this issue is a matter of life and death to my community.”
“With the cooperation of all parties, there is a clear path to not only maintaining an emergency room in Fort Scott but also expanding primary care services to benefit this growing community and its future aspirations, with not only an ER but a Rural Emergency Hospital,” Wells said.
For more info on Rural Emergency Hospitals:
Wells encourages the community to take an active role in supporting the endeavor.
“I encourage the community to take an active role by contacting their local government officials for support,” Wells said. “There are those who are actively moving this forward, but we can help push the state and federal legislature to make this happen faster.”
Your Elected Representatives
Following is a list of the elected representatives for Bourbon County at both the state and federal levels, according to the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce website:
In a press release yesterday, Kansas Governor Kelly stated:
“I am incredibly saddened by the news that Ascension Via Christi’s Emergency Department in Fort Scott is closing. Bourbon County residents have already had to drive 30 miles to Pittsburg – or, in some cases, 90 miles to Kansas City – for most care since Mercy Hospital closed five years ago. Now, even in emergencies, they’ll have one less place to turn, threatening their health and safety.
“I’ve been touring the state rallying for Medicaid Expansion for six weeks, and in that time, we’ve seen a rural hospital and now an emergency room close. How much more evidence do we need that rural communities need our support to keep health care affordable and accessible? Enough is enough. It’s time to act.”
The Kansas Department of Commerce Rapid Response Team is reaching out to Ascension Via Christi leadership and will be sharing resources with employees who are now looking for work, according to the press release.
According to the Governor’s press release:
- Rural hospitals in states that have not adopted Medicaid expansion are six times more likely to close than rural hospitals in states with expansion.
- Researchers have found that hospitals in expansion states, particularly those in rural areas, are better off financially and are less likely to close.
- 58% of rural Kansas hospitals are at risk of closing, and 28% are at immediate risk of closing.
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Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg adds urologist
Urologist Mark Frogge, MD, FACS, has joined Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg.
Dr. Frogge will see patients at Ascension Via Christi’s new Urology Clinic in Pittsburg, located at 2701 S. Rouse St., starting Nov. 1.
As an Oklahoma City native, Dr. Frogge knows the importance of close-to-home, community-based care and is excited to care for the Pittsburg community.
Dr. Frogge earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Kansas and then did his residency through the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, CA. In addition to being a urologist, he is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Prior to joining Ascension Via Christi Hospital, Dr. Frogge spent over two decades caring for patients in California to Missouri and Kansas. He has been board-certified since 2000.
“We are excited to have Dr. Frogge at our new Urology Clinic to further improve access to care for our community,” says Drew Talbott, hospital president. “Dr. Frogge’s values, passion and patient-first mindset will make him a great fit for our Ascension Via Christi team.”
Patients can schedule an appointment with Dr. Frogge by calling 620-235-7529. For more information, visit ascension.org/pittsburgKS.
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About Ascension Via Christi
In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and nearly 80 other sites of care and employs approximately 6,200 associates. In FY2023, Ascension Via Christi provided more than $65 million in community benefit programs. 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. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org.
Ascension Via Christi-Pittsburg recognized for commitment to high-quality stroke care
Ascension Via Christi in Pittsburg has received its 2023 American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines, Stroke award for demonstrating its commitment to up-to-date, research-based guidelines in treating stroke.
Ascension Via Christi received the Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus, the highest recognition available. It also met the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines criteria for inclusion on its Target: Type 2 Diabetes honor roll.
“This recognition is a testament to the high-quality care our team provides every day,” says Drew Talbott, hospital president. “I couldn’t be more proud of their efforts in providing life-saving stroke treatments to our community.”
Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure that patient care is aligned with the latest evidence- and research-based guidelines. This ultimately leads to more lives saved, shorter recovery times and fewer readmissions to the hospital as studies show that patients recover better when providers consistently follow treatment guidelines.
According to the American Heart Association, improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates represent a win for healthcare systems, families and communities.
“Community is very important to us,” says Naomi Powers, who leads the stroke team at Ascension Via Christi in Pittsburg. “Receiving this award calls attention to the dedication and hard work from our team in providing the highest standard of care for our stroke patients.”
Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke or heart attack, and heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States, respectively. To learn more about care at Ascension Via Christi, go to ascension.org/pittsburgKS.
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About Ascension Via Christi
In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 75 other sites of care and employs nearly 6,400 associates. Across the state, Ascension Via Christi provided nearly $89 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2021. 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. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Colu
Mental Health Center to Move Into the Former Mercy Building
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center in Fort Scott has recently signed an agreement with Legacy Health LLC for the center to move into the former Mercy Hospital Building at 401 Woodland Hills.
The building was recently vacated by Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas who moved to another Fort Scott building.
“We don’t have an official date for the move as we need to secure a contractor for some renovations but are hoping this summer,” said Holly Jerome, SEKMHC’s director of marketing and human resources said. “Once a move date has been set, we will be notifying clients and the community.”
“We are certainly not new to Fort Scott,” said Jerome. “We were established in 1961! But due to our growth after becoming a Certified Community Behavioral Healthcare Clinic ( in 2022) we are outgrowing our current building which is located at 212 State Street.”
“We will continue offering our current and expanded services,” Jerome said. “This new space will allow us to continue adding to our team!”
“SEKMHC is one of the first five community mental health centers to earn certification,” CEO Nathan Fawson said in a press release https://fortscott.biz/news/legacy-health-partners-with-southeast-kansas-mental-health-to-expand-services. “The CCBHC model of care concentrates on the overall health of a client, not just their mental health. We have expanded our care to integrate holistic care approaches, connect people with care coordination, and increase accessibility to services throughout our six–county catchment area. Looking into the future, we are striving to provide each client with a much more individualized experience by assisting clients in recovery–oriented ways in their homes, in our communities, or via telehealth whenever possible. We know that recovery is possible when you treat the person, not just their mental health challenge.”–
According to its website https://www.sekmhc.org/ the services they provide to the community are:
Last year they served over 4,000 clients, according to its website. The staff provide school based therapy and case management in 12 school districts. They have 15 team members in the crisis department and 10 in the psychiatry department.
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is in transition to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), according to its website. A CCBHC provides comprehensive behavioral health services, while also focusing on physical health and whole person wellness.
What the transition means is, the following is added:
- Patient navigation services
- Comprehensive behavioral health screening at intake
- Primary health screening including gathering health metrics (height, weight, and blood pressure)
- Primary health resources and referral
What won’t change is:
- Access to counseling and therapy
- Access to crisis services
- Access to medical services and psychiatry
- Community-based services for adults and children
- Services and programs previously provided, unless otherwise noted
Upcoming Community Self-Care Event:
A Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center Self-Care Fair will be held on May 23, from 5-8 p.m. at the Fort Scott Middle School, 1105 E. 12th.
For more information:
https://www.sekmhc.org/selfcarefair/
For questions about the self-care fair, contact: Dawne Burchett at 620-496-8702 or Vicki Wright at 620-212-9391.
About Legacy Health
Legacy Health has a mission to bring development and healthcare to rural communities through sustainable and proactive approaches, according to the Legacy Health press release. Legacy believes that for a project to be successful, it is necessary to understand the needs of the community and the people.
Legacy Health LLC was registered on June 7, 2022 as a Limited Liability Company – CA company type incorporated at 269 WEST BONITA CLAREMONT, CA 91711. according to /https://ca.ltddir.com/companies/legacy-health-llc/
Troy Schell is the Legacy Health Chairman of the Board, according to the press release.
Chief Clinical Officer is Jennifer Massey and she is the contact person at [email protected]
Chief Strategy Officer is Merrill Eisenhower.
Locally, Matthew Wells is Legacy Healthcare Foundation Director of Plant Operations at the 401 Woodland Hills site. His duties are technical and equipment maintenance. Wells recently helped the building receive joint hospital accreditation, which is necessary because of the patient care given in the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department that is also housed in the facility, he said.
The Legacy Health Foundation received the building from the Bourbon County Commission in November 2022. In addition to the building, the commission gave Legacy Health Foundation $2 million dollars from funds received from Mercy Hospital and American Rescue Plan Act Funds to develop the property, according to a prior story.
To view the prior story:
https://fortscott.biz/news/bourbon-county-transfers-mercy-building-to-legacy-health-foundation
Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg adds OB/GYN
OB/GYN Victoria Shirley, DO, has joined Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg.
Dr. Shirley, who has been practicing since 2002, knows the importance of close-to-home, community-based care and is excited to care for women in all stages of life.
Dr. Shirley earned her undergraduate and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa and then did her OB/GYN residency through Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital.
Prior to joining Ascension Via Christi, Dr. Shirley spent nearly a decade caring for patients at Kings’ Daughters’ Health in Madison, Indiana. During that period, she served as their Chief of Surgery and additionally as Medical Director of Choice’s Pregnancy clinic.
“We are excited that Dr. Shirley chose Ascension Via Christi to practice, further improving access to care for women in Southeast Kansas,” says Drew Talbott, hospital president. “Dr. Shirley’s compassion, experience, courtesy and patient-first mindset makes her a great fit for our OB/GYN team.”
Dr. Shirley wants her future patients to know that they will be coming into a welcoming, non-judgemental environment and encourages them to feel open to ask questions. She looks forward to collaborating on every aspect of her patients’ care, from teens to seniors.
Patients can schedule an appointment with Dr. Shirley by calling 620-230-0044. For more information, visit ascension.org/PittsburgKS.
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About Ascension Via Christi
In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 75 other sites of care and employs nearly 6,400 associates. Across the state, Ascension Via Christi provided nearly $89 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2021. 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. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities
Patient meets goals with help from Ascension Via Christi Therapy Center
After having carpal tunnel surgery, Tawny Sandifer, who serves as vice president of Operations and Nursing at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, needed Occupational Therapy services to get back to normal life.
Sandifer says she confidently chose Ascension Via Christi Therapy Center for her ongoing care not because of her role, but based on all the positive feedback from friends and community members.
Occupational Therapy, which works to develop, recover or maintain function of everyday skills, treats a variety of upper extremity injuries, disabilities or impairments such as: amputations, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, cerebral palsy, brain injuries, surgery recovery and much more.
For 12 weeks, Sandifer worked with therapist Chrissy Naccarato, OT, to strengthen and improve function in her hand.
“Chrissy always greeted me with a smile,” says Sandifer. “She took time to explain the ‘why’ behind what I was doing with my treatment plan and ensured that I understood how it was helping me to reach my goals.”
Although Occupational Therapy can sometimes be challenging, Sandifer expressed what a positive experience it’s been: “I look forward to my therapy appointment and seeing Chrissy. I know it will be challenging but I also know that Chrissy’s approach makes it fun.”
Now, Sandifer says that she has met her goals and has seen significant improvement in the strength and functioning of her hand, crediting much of that to her therapist.
“I would refer Occupational Therapy at Ascension Via Christi Therapy Center to all of my friends and family,” says Sandifer. “Chrissy is so knowledgeable, compassionate, engaging, professional and caring!”
To learn more about Ascension Via Christi Therapy services, go to ascension.org/PhysicalTherapyKS.
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About Ascension Via Christi
In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 75 other sites of care and employs nearly 6,400 associates. Across the state, Ascension Via Christi provided nearly $89 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2021. 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. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org.
Ascension Via Christi celebrates 120 years of compassionate care
On Apr. 14, 1903, Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg began its healing mission as Mt. Carmel Hospital,with just 20 rooms lit by oil lamps in which to provide care.
In the late 1800s, coal mining camps developed throughout Crawford County as Southeast Kansas experienced a period of rapid growth. Health conditions were poor and the city hospital in Pittsburg was unable to serve the influx of residents, so local doctors consulted the Rt. Rev. John J. Hennessy, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, for help in building a new hospital. The bishop called Mother Mary Bernard Sheridan, founder of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Wichita, for help.
In 1989, Charles J. Devlin, owner of the Mt. Carmel Coal Company, presented the Sisters with a monetary donation and 40-acre tract of land between Frontenac and Pittsburg upon which to build the hospital. As a gesture of appreciation, the new facility was named Mt. Carmel Hospital and was the first to be operated by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Wichita.
“We are blessed to be part of a health organization that has provided care to our local community for 120 years,” says Drew Talbott, hospital president. “Our Mission began to provide care to the underserved and continues so today.”
In 1971 and after a highly successful community fundraising drive, the current hospital building was constructed to accommodate its ever-growing patient count.
Now, 120 years later with 110 rooms and a staff of more than 450, the hospital provides specialized orthopedic, cardiology, emergency, obstetric and gynecology, surgical, pediatric, cancer care, rehabilitation, physical therapy, sleep medicine and other health services.
It also features a Women’s Center with a Level II nursery and central fetal monitoring system; Heart Center with a $2.6 million Cardiac Stepdown Unit, catheterization lab and pediatric echocardiogram program; Emergency departments in both Pittsburg and Fort Scott recognized as Level III trauma Centers with Level 3 geriatric care accreditations; a 40,000-square-foot Surgery Center equipped with state-of-the-art robotic-assisted technology, 3D mammography capabilities and a recently-renovated Cancer Center equipped with a $1.5 million state-of-the-art TrueBeam linear accelerator.
“We wouldn’t be where we are today without the work of our incredible associates and medical staff,” says Talbott. “They make our Mission possible.”
Since 1903, Ascension Via Christi in Pittsburg has been blessed to provide compassionate care, close to home and will continue to do so well into the future.
To learn more about Ascension Via Christi, go to ascension.org/pittsburgKS.
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About Ascension Via Christi
In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 75 other sites of care and employs nearly 6,400 associates. Across the state, Ascension Via Christi provided nearly $89 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2021. 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. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org.
Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg adds new imaging technology
Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg has recently added a PET/CT scanner, which can help detect the early onset of diseases before other imaging tests can.
The new scanner uses small amounts of radioactive materials, a special camera and a computer to evaluate organ and tissue functions. By identifying changes at the cellular level, the test helps detect cancer or make a diagnosis, determine if a cancer has spread, assess the effectiveness of treatment, evaluate prognosis, determine the effects of a heart attack, evaluate brain abnormalities and more.
“The installation of the PET/CT scanner at our hospital speaks to our continued commitment to provide the most technologically advanced quality care to our patients”, says Chris Stevens, Nuclear Medicine Lead Technologist.
An important test made possible by the PET/CT scanner is a PSMA prostate study. This test uses a diagnostic imaging agent together with PET/CT imaging to detect prostate cancer for both initial staging and suspected recurrence, typically sooner than other types of imaging scans.
“It’s a blessing to have the availability of PET/CT for our patients and physicians”, says Stevens. “Our list of available exams is now equivalent to those at the largest hospitals in the biggest towns.”
The new imaging technology allows the hospital to continue to provide advanced care close to home.
To learn more about services at Ascension Via Christi, visit ascension.org/pittsburgKS.
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About Ascension Via Christi
In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 75 other sites of care and employs nearly 6,400 associates. Across the state, Ascension Via Christi provided nearly $89 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2021. 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. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org.
Via Christi’s Program To Increase Breastfeeding/Duration Rates Earns Recognition
Pittsburg’s Ascension Via Christi Hospital
earns High 5 for Mom & Baby recognition
Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg has once again earned recognition by High 5 for Mom & Baby, a program developed by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates in Kansas.
“I’m very proud of our team and the work they do to continue to promote breastfeeding for our moms and babies,” says Janelle Wade, director of Inpatient Services, which includes Women’s Health. “They understand the importance and the health benefits that breastfeeding provides newborns.”
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 recognition, each facility must complete a voluntary and self-reported evaluation and demonstrate that it follows at least 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 breast milk 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.
“Our goal is to provide the support that mothers and babies need to be successful at breastfeeding,” says Miranda Caskey, RN, the certified lactation consultant who led the hospital’s High 5 for Mom & Baby efforts.
That support is critical, which is why Ascension Via Christi converted its lactation and childbirth education classes to virtual offerings led by a registered nurse and offer 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.
Learn more about Labor and Delivery or sign up for a class at Ascension Via Christi by visiting viachristibaby.com.
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About Ascension Via Christi
In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 75 other sites of care and employs nearly 6,400 associates. Across the state, Ascension Via Christi provided nearly $89 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2021. 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. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org.
Ascension Via Christi nurse an Extraordinary Healer Award nominee
Kristen Mitchell, RN, who serves at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, is among the nominees for CURE magazine’s 2023 Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing.
Each year, CURE gives readers the opportunity to honor an oncology nurse by submitting essays describing their compassion, expertise and helpfulness. Nominations are collected from colleagues, patients, friends and family of nurses throughout the country.
Mitchell’s nomination was submitted by her coworker and fellow Oncology nurse Marcus Yoakam, RN.
“Kristen is the epitome of what every oncology nurse should strive to be,” Yoakam wrote. “I have met and interacted with a countless number of nurses, but Kristen stands out a head above the rest.
“She is always there to help and actively goes out of her way to help everyone. In addition to being incredibly helpful, her clinical skills are second to none. It’s a great comfort to know that we have such a reliable and competent colleague like Kristen.”
Mitchell, who has been with the hospital since 2008, spends her days caring for patients in the Cancer Center. She starts by getting everything ready for that day’s chemotherapy, immunotherapy, blood transfusion, IVIG and iron treatments. She says her favorite part of the job is making her patients smile and being able to spoil them while in her care by being a listening ear, bringing a warm blanket, providing nutrition, or bringing a warm cup of coffee.
“I do this type of work because I honestly believe it was my calling, especially when it comes to oncology,” says Mitchell. “I’m truly honored to have been nominated for this award.”
The winner will be announced on Apr. 6 in San Antonio during the Oncology Nursing Society’s annual Congress. For more information on the award, visit event.curetoday.com.
To learn more about cancer services at Ascension Via Christi, visit ascension.org/pittsburgKS.
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About Ascension Via Christi
In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 75 other sites of care and employs nearly 6,400 associates. Across the state, Ascension Via Christi provided nearly $89 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2021. 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. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia