Category Archives: Ascension Via Christi

Ascension Via Christi

Via Christi’s Program To Increase Breastfeeding/Duration Rates Earns Recognition

Leave a comment

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.

 

 

###

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, Health Care

Ascension Via Christi nurse an Extraordinary Healer Award nominee

Leave a comment

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.

 

###

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

Ascension Via Christi, Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care, Legacy Health Foundation

More Space & Services In One Location For CHC Starting April 17: Other Tenants Staying

2 Comments

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas in Fort Scott is making plans to move from the former Mercy Hospital building at 401 Woodland Hills, to the former Price Chopper building at 2322 S. Main during the weekend of April 14.

The CHC Fort Scott buildilng at 2322 S. Main.

“It’s going to be a beautiful facility,” said CHC’s Director of Communication and Marketing Robert Poole. “And we have a great crew.”

“The new 43,000-square foot plus facility provides more room to offer more services,” said Baily Davis, CHC/SEK Fort Scott Practice Manager. “And, for the first time, walk-in care, primary care, and our pharmacy will all be in one easy-to-find location with more convenient parking,” she said.

“The move is being coordinated to minimize interruptions of patient care and is being staged in three phases,” according to information from Poole.

On Friday April 14, the Woodland Hills clinic will close at 1 PM.

Apothecare Pharmacy at Woodland Hills will follow, and be closed Saturday, April 15 as staff prepare.

On Sunday, April 16, CHC/SEK Walk-In Care on National Street will close at 1 PM as they relocate to the new facility.

All services will be re-open on Monday, April 17 at 2322 S. Main St. including primary care, walk-in care, behavioral health care, pharmacy and specialty services, which will all be in one location from that point on.

Hours of operation at the new site:

Primary Care is  8 AM-6 PM- Monday through Thursday, and 8 AM-5 PM Friday.

Walk-In Care is from 7 AM- 7 PM, Monday-Sunday

Apothecare Pharmacy 7 AM- 7 PM, Monday-Sunday

 

“Many of the CHC/SEK staff are your friends and neighbors in the community,” according to the information provided by Poole. “101 of the 124 of the Fort Scott clinic employees live in Fort Scott or Bourbon County. The health center believes in investing in its employees with good jobs, education, growth opportunities and progressive benefits. The starting entry-level wage at CHC/SEK begins at $15 per hour, more than twice the federal minimum wage.”

Part two of this story will be published next week, detailing the new services.

Mercy Building: Other Tenants

Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department

The emergency room will continue services to the county in the same location on the south side of the Mercy building.

“The move will not affect our operations and the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department in Fort Scott will continue to provide care as normal,” according to AVC Marketing and Communications Specialist Reagan Rosenhamer.

Legacy Health

The following is from Troy Schell, chairman of the Legacy Health Foundation, Glendora, CA. when asked for an update  on the foundation plans since receiving ownership of the Mercy Hospital building on Nov. 17, 2022.

“Legacy Health has devoted significant efforts to collaborating with both Ascension and USD 234 in order to develop and sustain crucial services within the community,” Schell said. “Furthermore, our organization is actively pursuing the establishment of new specialty clinics, including those specializing in cardiology and urology, in addition to partnering with Freeman Orthopedics to extend their established presence within the community.”

“As we move forward with our initiative, we eagerly anticipate engaging with key figures in the business and government sectors to ensure that the available resources are utilized optimally to provide the essential services required for the growth of the community and the region,” he said. “Additionally, we remain committed to supporting local non-profit organizations and community groups by providing necessary resources to support the most vulnerable individuals in the community.”

To learn more:

Bourbon County Takes Ownership of Former Mercy Hospital Building

View the Bourbon County/ Legacy Health Foundation Agreement

I Am Rehab, Diamonds in the Rough

Because I Am Rehab, a physical therapy business and gym, and Diamonds in the Rough Beauty Salon are not affiliated with CHC, they will remain in the lower level of the former Mercy Hospital and continue business as usual, according to a spokesman for I Am Rehab.

Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.

Bourbon County REDI moved its office in February from the Landmark Bank building to the administration wing of the former Mercy Hospital on the north side of the building, in Suite 100.

The banking hours and holidays did not fit the needs of the staff of REDI, according to Rob Harrington, Director, although “We loved being at that location.”

“I am now able to be in the office early and stay late, and there is a conference room available,” Harrington said.

REDI employees are Suzette Torres, marketing and program assistant; Emily Wiebolt, grant manager and Tayton Majors, intern from Lead For America.

The Fort Scott Tourism Department, which was housed with REDI at the bank office, is now at city hall, Harrington said.

 

 

 

 

Area News, Ascension Via Christi, Health Care

Heart Month: Ascension Via Christi Hospital

Leave a comment

#HeartMonth feature: Kristy Tippie, RN, Heart Center at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg

Kristy Tippie. Submitted photo.

 

Kristy Tippie, RN, who began her nursing career 21 years ago at Ascension Via Christi Hospital, has spent the past 10 years serving in its Heart Center.

“I picked a career in healthcare for the flexibility,” says Tippie. “If you get ‘burnt out’ in one area, there are so many others that you can go into.”

The Heart Center, located inside the main hospital building, provides minimally and non-invasive diagnostic testing services like angiograms, pacemaker implantations, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, stress tests and more.

Tippie’s typical day includes setting up for the day’s procedures, performing pre-op with the patient and following through with their care until they are transferred to another department.

She says her favorite part of the job is one-on-one time with patients. Following the patient from when they arrive to when they’re transferred out of the Heart Center gives her the chance to establish a rapport with them and their family.

“I enjoy working for Ascension Via Christi in Pittsburg because the size of the facility allows us to provide our patients with a personal experience,” says Tippie.

As a reminder during Heart Month, Tippie suggests trying your best to eat healthy and stay active, even if it’s just a short walk. She also suggests listening to your body and not being afraid to ask questions when you have concerns.

To learn more about cardiac services at Ascension Via Christi, go to ascension.org/viachristiheart.

 

 

###

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

Area News, Ascension Via Christi, Health Care

Ascension Via Christi Hospital’s Newborn Screening Program receives recognition

Leave a comment

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg has been recognized for its Newborn Screening Program, a service done 24-48 hours after birth to identify and treat rare conditions.

The awards, given in partnership between the Kansas Hospital Association, Kansas Midwives Association and Kansas Department of Health and Environment, were assessed from 2021 qualifying criteria based on state screening goals. The hospital received recognition for its critical congenital heart defect, hearing, metabolic and genetic screenings.

 

“These screenings allow us to provide the best care for babies born in our hospital,” says Janelle Wade, director of inpatient services. “If needed, we are able to get the baby immediate care for conditions that may have gone unnoticed otherwise.”

 

The program, available to Kansas families at no cost since 1965, is a collaborative effort among public health, hospitals, providers and the parents of the babies screened. Newborn screening in Kansas consists of three types of tests: hearing screen to detect hearing loss, pulse oximetry screening to detect critical congenital heart defects and a heel stick to collect small blood samples which can detect 32 genetic or metabolic conditions.

 

“This achievement speaks to the high quality of care that every member of our team provides to our moms and babies,” says Drew Talbott, hospital president. “I am so proud of the collaborative effort of all involved in receiving this recognition.”

 

To learn more about Labor and Delivery at Ascension Via Christi, go to viachristibaby.com.

 

###

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, Fort Scott, Health Care

Ascension Via Christi to close Fort Scott clinic, Girard Medical Center steps in

Leave a comment
Dr. Katrina Burke. Submitted photo.


Ascension Via Christi will be closing its Family Medicine clinic in Fort Scott as of Nov. 11.

On the heels of that closing, Girard Medical Center is planning to reopen its practice in Ascension Via Christi clinic’s current location at 109 S. Main St, which will be staffed by Katrina Burke, MD, the clinic’s current physician provider.


“Our goal when we established the clinic was to ensure Fort Scott residents’ access to primary care services,” says Drew Talbott, president of Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg. “This transition of the clinic to a new owner does that, which is in keeping with our overall goal of using our resources to ensure rural Kansans’ continued access to close-to-home care.”


To receive care at the Fort Scott clinic after Nov. 11, patients will need to call 620-232-0453 to request a transfer of their medical records.


“Our Fort Scott Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department, established almost four years ago when the Fort Scott hospital closed, will continue to provide 24/7 Emergency Care,” says Talbott.


###
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, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

Ascension Via Christi transitions Care Van program to Community Health Center

Leave a comment
Ascension Via Christi, Pittsburg. Submitted photo.



Ascension Via Christi will be transitioning its Care Van program to Southeast Kansas Community Health Center as of Nov. 1.


“Our goal when we established the Care Van program was to ensure our community’s residents had access to their medical services and appointments,” says Charlotte Russell, physician services director at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg. “We are happy that this
transition will still allow Pittsburg residents that convenience through the Community Health Center, which aligns with our overall goal of ensuring rural Kansans’ have continued access to
close-to-home care.”


To continue using the Care Van program after Oct. 31, patients will need to call 620-231-9873 to schedule their transportation.
“We want to ask that you join us in thanking our Ascension Via Christi Care Van team for their hard work and dedication to our Mission and the Pittsburg community,” says Russell.
###
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, Jobs

Ascension Via Christi: on List of America’s Best Employers

Leave a comment

Ascension Via Christi Kansas’ best overall, best hospital and health system employers, says Forbes

Last week, Forbes released its 2022 list of “America’s Best Employers by State” across all industries. Nationwide, 262 hospitals and health systems made the cut.

Ascension ranked No. 15 out of all Kansas employers and was one of only three hospitals/health systems to make the list in Kansas. Ascension Via Christi was the only healthcare employer in Wichita.

“Being named one of the state’s best employers is a direct representation of our amazing associates doing their meaningful work in a positive environment,” says Kevin Strecker, Ascension Via Christi’s chief executive officer. “It’s even more impressive given that it is based on feedback from our associates and that of other Kansas businesses’ employees.”

To compile its list, Forbes, in collaboration with market research company Statista, surveyed 70,000 employees working for businesses with more than 500 employees. A total of 1,382 employers in varying industries were ranked, with multi-state employers being able to be ranked more than once.

All the surveys were anonymous, allowing participants to openly share their opinions and rate their employers on a variety of criteria, including fair pay, safe working conditions, inclusive culture, remote work benefits and diversity initiatives. Respondents then were asked how likely they’d be to recommend their employer to others and to nominate organizations in industries outside their own.

Forbes then ranked the 1,382 employers with the greatest number of recommendations in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Other recent recognitions include:

  • Ascension Via Christi St. Francis having been named by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Regional Hospital for 2022-2023, the only Wichita hospital and one of a dozen Ascension hospitals nationwide to make the list.
  • Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph and Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan having made U.S. News & World Report’s inaugural list of Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.
  • Numerous recent accreditations, including Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg being re-accredited as a Level III Trauma Center following a survey with zero deficiencies and Ascension Via Christi St. Francis was re-accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer. It also received re-accreditation for adult autologous hematopoietic progenitor and a first-time accreditation of immune effector cellular therapies by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy. Additionally, St. Francis’ ER became an accredited Geriatric Emergency Department — making it the second in Wichita and fifth Ascension Via Christi ER with that distinction.

“The challenges facing healthcare providers nationwide are daunting after two years of a pandemic like no other in our lifetime,” says Strecker. “This latest recognition is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our associates to a Mission that has endured for more than 135 years.

“They are the foundation of our ministry. It is through their collaboration with our Medical Staff, volunteers and community partners that our hospitals and clinics are a great place to give and receive care.”

###

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, Health Care

Ascension Via Christi Hospital’s trauma program recognized for quality

Leave a comment

Ascension Via Christi Hospital’s trauma program recognized for quality

 

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg’s Level III Trauma Program, which treats patients who have critical injuries threatening life or limbs, was first accredited by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma in 2008. Now, it has passed re-accreditation for another three years.

The program, which will turn 15 next year, was recognized for its quality, improvement, maturity and focus, as well as for its trauma leadership and outstanding relationship with regional EMS.

“A Level III Trauma Program accreditation designates our hospital as one that has resources and expertise to care for our community and neighbors when any trauma occurs,” says Brett Dunbar, DO, hospital surgeon . “As a trauma center, our team is committed to improving and providing evidence-based care through our involvement at the local level as well as at the state level.”

The ACS Trauma Survey is designed to help hospitals evaluate and improve trauma care as well as provide objective, external review of capability and performance. A Level III Trauma Center designation indicates that the hospital has demonstrated an ability to provide prompt assessment, resuscitation, surgery, intensive care and stabilization of injured patients and emergency operations.

This achievement allows Ascension Via Christi Hospital to continue to provide Southeast Kansas with quality care close to home and when it’s needed the most.

For more information about Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, go to ascension.org/pittsburgKS.

 

###

 

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

Area News, Ascension Via Christi

Via Christi Adds Pediatric Echocardiogram Program

Leave a comment


Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg has added a Pediatric Echocardiogram program, making quality diagnostic imaging services more accessible to families throughout southeast
Kansas.

“Over the last few years we have invested extensively in our imaging programs to bring new technology and innovations to our community,” says Travis Battagler, director of the Heart
Center and Imaging Operations. “We have worked to grow our diagnostic cardiology echo program, including our recent expansion of that service line to Fort Scott.”

The Pediatric Echocardiograms are being offered in Pittsburg, which is just 30 miles down the road from Fort Scott.

Being able to have an ultrasound of the heart performed in a familiar setting is less stressful for children and more convenient for their parents, which in the end may help to recognize life-threatening conditions faster.

“This is just one way we can better serve our community and the surrounding areas now and in the future,” says Tyler Matthews, lead echocardiography technologist.

For more information about Ascension Via Christi in Pittsburg go to ascension.org/pittsburgKS.
###
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

Ascension Via Christi, Health Care

Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department in Fort Scott receives Geriatric Accreditation

1 Comment



The Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department in Fort Scott has received a Level 3 accreditation by the American College of Emergency Physicians’ Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation program (GEDA), which along with the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, Emergency Nurses Association and American Geriatrics Society developed and released geriatric ED guidelines.


“This accreditation is very exciting for us and has allowed us to focus on improving the quality of care for one of our largest patient populations,” says Jessica Cobb, Emergency Department director. “Becoming a geriatric emergency department allows us to integrate best practices and standardized approaches to care for the older citizens in our community.”


Fort Scott’s full-service ER is staffed by physicians 24/7 and includes CT scans, ultrasounds and a new, fully remodeled radiology department with six exam rooms and additional treatment
spaces. As part of their geriatric certification, a nurse and physician on staff completed specific geriatric training and serve as clinical champions for geriatric care in the ED.


This accreditation allows the Emergency Department to continue to provide high standards of close-to-home care to our community.
For more information about Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department in Fort Scott go to ascension.org/pittsburgKS.
###
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.