Category Archives: Mercy Hospital
Bumps and Bruises Clinic Offered on Saturday Mornings
Beginning Saturday, Sept. 1 at 7 a.m., Mercy Fort Scott Sports Medicine will offer free evaluations of student athlete injuries at the Bumps and Bruises Clinic. The location of the clinic is in the Health For Life area, in the lower level of the hospital.
Mercy Donates
Schools Benefit from Mercy Clinic Donation
FORT SCOTT, KAN. (August 29, 2018) – Mercy Clinic Fort Scott will donate $2990.00 to local school district activity accounts through funds generated by their annual sports physical clinic program.
Each year, physicians and nursing staff at Mercy Clinic Fort Scott host sport physical clinics for area middle school and high school students at the low cost of $10 each. In 2018, the clinic staff examined 299 students from Fort Scott and neighboring school districts.
“The clinic staff considers it a privilege to offer this service to students,” said Michelle Bruner, Mercy Clinic director. “By volunteering our time, we are able to pass the benefit right on to the schools in our service area.”
When the student signs in for the physical, the student’s school is tracked. The $10 fee for the physical is donated directly back to the student’s school district activity fund to help with equipment or supply purchases.
“The Kansas State High School Activities Association requires students who plan to participate in extracurricular activities to have a current physical on file,” Bruner explained. “The physicals ensure that the student is healthy to participate.”
“The students receive a thorough physical exam to be sure there are no signs of heart disease or other health-related issues that would cause problems playing sports and being physically active,” Bruner added.
To learn more about Mercy Clinic Fort Scott or to find a primary care doctor, call 620-223-8040.
Farmers Market Sets Up In Hospital Cafe August 22
Mercy Hospital Café Hosts Farmers’ Market
Trial date set for Wednesday, August 22
Farm fresh produce is not only good for you; it’s delicious and packed with nutrients. Plus, shoppers now have another opportunity to purchase beyond typical farmers’ market days offered in Fort Scott.
In conjunction with the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways grant, Mercy is collaborating with local farmers to bring a farmers’ market to the hospital cafeteria from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 22. If the event is successful, future dates will be scheduled.
The public is invited. Cash and checks accepted.
“We know that finding time to eat healthy food can be a challenge between work, family, and all the extra stuff we do,” said Sherise Beckham, Mercy dietitian. “As a worksite, we want to promote healthy eating, as a community partner we want to support our farmers market, and as a healthcare facility, we want to be a model for encouraging healthy behaviors. This new collaboration with the Fort Scott Farmers’ Market allows us to do all those things and we couldn’t be more excited.”
Local vendors participating in the market are Stacey Atkins, Ronnie Brown, and Chet and Linda Bower.
Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy’s IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.
supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.
Mercy Kids Health Fair and Teddy Bear Clinic
FORT SCOTT, Kan. (Aug. 13, 2018) – Raising healthy kids is important, that’s why Mercy Clinic Fort Scott hosted the seventh annual Mercy Kids Health Fair and Teddy Bear Clinic on Saturday, August 11.
Children took part in free health screenings, fitness fun, and learned tips to help make good choices for healthy living.
Dolls and a variety of stuffed animals received checkups, x-rays and vaccinations from Mercy Clinic providers at the Teddy Bear Clinic. Mercy general surgeon Dr. Wan-Lin Horng was able to mend minor scrapes and cuts, too.
“At Mercy, we make it a priority to give parents and guardians the tools necessary to lead kids down the path of long-term health,” said Amy Budy, Mercy Clinic administrative assistant and organizer of the event. “At the Mercy Kids Health Fair, we bring together numerous resources from within Mercy and the community to educate our most prized asset – children. We are grateful to the many agencies and organizations for participating and making the fair a huge success.”
To learn more about primary care or to establish a physician, call Mercy Clinic at 620-223-8040.
Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy’s IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.
supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.
Karleigh Arndt: KU Scholar In Rural Health
Scholars in Rural Health Program Pairs To-Be Doctor
with Mercy Physician
Karleigh Arndt has dreamed of being a physician in rural Kansas since she was a student at Fort Scott High School (FSHS). Last week she received word that her dream is closer to becoming reality.
Arndt has been accepted into the University of Kansas Scholars in Rural Health program which is designed to identify and encourage undergraduate students from rural Kansas who are interested in building successful careers as physicians in rural areas.
A cornerstone to the scholar’s program is the mentorship with a rural Kansas primary care physician in the student’s home community. During Arndt’s junior and senior years as an undergraduate, she will learn at the side of a Mercy Clinic physician in Fort Scott to gain valuable clinical experience and complete three patient care reports. The program exposes students to the variety of health care services in rural areas, including hospital and office practice.
“I am thrilled to come back to Fort Scott and work with older adult patients,” Arndt said. “When I worked in a nursing facility, I saw the need for older adults to have an advocate in health care.”
“My long-term goal is to be a rural primary care physician who works in conjunction with home health and hospice and serve primarily in a community setting instead of the clinic. By doing so, I hope to be caring for aging patients in their home or other areas of the community where there are specific needs for the geriatric population.”
Arndt, a 2016 FSHS graduate, was one of 15 selected from 42 applicants to be granted early acceptance into KU School of Medicine. With acceptance into the University of Kansas Scholar in Rural Health program, Arndt received the news a year early instead of waiting until after her junior year as is typical for most students who apply to KU School of Medicine.
Arndt, a dual major in Biology and Gerontology at Kansas State University (KSU), will begin her junior year this month.
Growing up in rural Fort Scott, Arndt is in tune with the needs in rural health care and finds it her calling.
“I value everything that rural Kansas has to offer and I am 100 percent sure I want to come back home to practice medicine,” she added. “It’s about caring for people and serving my community.”
Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy’s IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.
supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.
Modern Woodman Donates $2,000 Towards New Ambulance
Mercy Health Foundation Receives $2,000 for
New Ambulance from Modern Woodmen of America
FORT SCOTT, Kan. (August 2, 2018) – Mercy Health Foundation Fort Scott received a $2,000 matching fund check from the Modern Woodmen of America today to support the purchase of a new ambulance for Mercy EMS.
Jolynne Mitchell and Scott Gander from Modern Woodmen of America presented the check to Mercy Health Foundation Board officers Jared Leek and Chris Petty and foundation executive director Tina Rockhold.
The $2,000 was pledged in April to the foundation by the Modern Woodmen of America as a corporate sponsorship for the Hit the Bricks Wine Stroll, Art Walk, and Blane Howard Concert. In the sponsorship agreement, the Mercy Health Foundation needed to net a minimum of $2,000 in event proceeds to receive the matching $2,000.
Gross revenue for the Hit the Bricks event totaled $22,303.53 which includes the pledge from Modern Woodmen of America, individual contributions, ticket sales and proceeds from 1:1 matching funds collected the night of the event.
“On behalf of the Mercy Health Foundation Board, I want to my express gratitude to everyone who played a role in making the second Hit the Bricks event a success,” said Rockhold. “A huge thanks to the extensive list of people for tremendous teamwork and commitment to hosting the event.”
“We were blessed with beautiful weather for the night but more importantly, we made significant strides to making it possible to purchase a new ambulance for our family, friends, and neighbors who may need emergency care.”
Mercy Health Foundation Board will continue fundraising efforts to collect the remaining $42,879 necessary to purchase the new ambulance. The goal is for the new ambulance to be in service by mid-fall.
The Mercy Health Foundation Fort Scott is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which raises money and community awareness for Mercy Hospital. It is dependent on the support of individuals, corporations and foundations to help Mercy meet community health care needs. Mercy Health Foundation invests its philanthropic support in facilities and the advancement of technologies and programs to enhance Mercy’s ability to provide excellence in health care.
To make a donation, please visit www.mercy.net/giving or call the Mercy Health Foundation office at 620-223-8094.
Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy’s IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.
supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.
Life After Stroke: Verdon Daubens
Former Restaurant Owner’s Road to Recovery Leads to Monthly RV Trips
After suffering two mini-strokes in December 2017, Verdon Daubens knew the road to recovery would be challenging. But having a skilled team of therapists at Verdon’s side to lead him proved to be the encouragement he needed.
“Verdon has always done everything he wanted to do,” said Chelsa, Verdon’s wife for nearly 59 years. “Life after a stroke is a big adjustment, and it seemed that nothing I would do or say made a difference in Verdon’s spirit to improve.”
Chelsa told Hugo Dahlstrom, Mercy occupational therapist, she felt Verdon was depressed and overwhelmed with the journey ahead. As an occupational therapist, Hugo is trained to help people recover from injury to improve their ability to perform daily activities and reach the goals.
“Hugo was like an angel on earth,” Chelsa said. “He’s a tall man, but he got down on his hands and knees in front of Verdon’s lift chair and looked him eye-to-eye. In the most kind and compassion way, yet assertive and sincere, Hugo was able to spark a fire that motivated Verdon.”
“Recovery after stroke can take a long time, and persistence is the key,” Hugo said. “Verdon was very, very persistent. Whether at home or in the clinic, Verdon worked hard and did his best with everything I asked him to do. That hard work clearly paid off.”
Verdon and Chelsa enjoy taking vacations in their motorhome, so one of Verdon’s goals was to be able to drive and go on vacation once a month. Five months have passed and they haven’t missed a trip yet, and they have trips booked through November 2018.
The road to recovery wasn’t easy. Verdon’s therapy began with Mercy Home Health then he transitioned to outpatient therapy at Mercy Health for Life where he received occupational, physical and speech therapy six hours a week for six weeks.
Today, the Daubens’ spend time enjoying a slower pace by reading, working in the yard and planning their next RV adventure.
“We’ve learned that it’s important to enjoy every day,” Verdon said. There is not time for burnout or to be depressed. Lean on the support of your family, children and have faith in the Lord.”
“We are very happy with the simpler life we live,” said Chelsa. “It’s just the two of us doing what we like to do.”
Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy’s IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.
supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.
$25,000 For New Mercy Hospital Ambulance
Mercy Health Foundation Fort Scott was recently awarded a $25,000 grant from The Timken Foundation of Canton, Ohio, to help purchase a new transport ambulance for emergency medical services.
The new ambulance will be purchased by combining grant funds from The Timken Foundation of Canton, Ohio, plus nearly $13,000 raised from the third Mercy Golf Classic held on June 9 as well as proceeds from the Hit the Bricks Wine Stroll, Art Walk and Blane Howard Concert held on July 27.
Additional contributions made to the Mercy Health Foundation for the purchase of the ambulance by August 1, 2018, will be matched by the foundation at a 1:1 ratio. To make a donation, visit mercy.net/donate or call the foundation office at 620-223-8094.
“We are grateful for the donation from the Timken Foundation,” said Christi Keating, Mercy Fort Scott’s chief nursing officer. “This contribution will allow Mercy EMS to provide life-saving services to some of our most critical patients before they enter our doors.”
The Mercy Health Foundation Fort Scott is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation which supports programming and equipment at Mercy Hospital Fort Scott.
Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2017 by Truven, an IBM Watson Health company, serves millions annually. Mercy includes 44 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, more than 700 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 40,000 co-workers and more than 2,000 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Mercy also has outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
Mercy’s Kids Health Fair August 11
Mercy Kids Health Fair and Teddy Bear Clinic Scheduled for Saturday, August 11
Making healthy choices begins with good mentoring. Help steer your children down the right path by bringing them to the Mercy Kids Health and Safety Fair on Saturday, August 11 at Mercy Hospital Fort Scott. From 9 a.m. to noon, the clinic will provide free health screenings, fitness fun, education and learning opportunities, a chance to see emergency vehicles and meet with community agency representatives.
All screenings and events are free and open to the public.
The Teddy Bear Clinic is a highlight of the event. Young children are encouraged to bring their teddy bear or doll for a check-up. Surgeons will be on hand to mend minor cuts or tears to your child’s favorite stuffed animal.
Just a few of the scheduled activities include health screenings (eye, vision, blood pressure, height and weight, and dental checks), nutritional information, details about vaccines, hand-washing tips, healthy snacks, preventing colds and the flu, exercise stations, as well as a bounce house and photo booth. Also on site will be Mercy EMS staff, Fort Scott police, and fire department personnel, the Bourbon County Sherriff, as well as Kansas Wildlife and Parks.
Kids may register to win a backpack stuffed with school supplies. Winner need not be present to win, but registration the day of the event is required.
For more information about the Mercy Clinic Kids Health and Safety Fair, call Amy Budy at 620-223-8093.
Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy’s IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.
supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.
Dr. Parris Reception July 28
The public is invited to a retirement reception for David Parris, M.D., from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 28, in the Mercy Hospital cafeteria.
Dr. Parris earned this medical degree from University of Missouri – Columbia and completed his family medicine residency at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. He specializes in family medicine and emergency medicine. Dr. Parris is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.
In May, Dr. Parris was awarded the coveted 5-Star Award by ranking in PRC’s top 10 percent nationally for “excellent” responses in patient satisfaction surveys. He is also a fabulous vocalist and has performed in many musicals.
Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy’s IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.
supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.
The public is invited to a retirement reception for David Parris, M.D., from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 28, in the Mercy Hospital cafeteria.
Dr. Parris earned this medical degree from University of Missouri – Columbia and completed his family medicine residency at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. He specializes in family medicine and emergency medicine. Dr. Parris is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.
In May, Dr. Parris was awarded the coveted 5-Star Award by ranking in PRC’s top 10 percent nationally for “excellent” responses in patient satisfaction surveys. He is also a fabulous vocalist and has performed in many musicals.
Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy’s IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.
supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.
Mercy’s New Home Health and Hospice Partnership
Mercy and Integrity to join forces to coordinate home care and hospice across the region
Not all healthcare happens in a hospital or a doctor’s office. Patients who head home after a surgery or serious illness often require some time to continue healing at home, and chronically-ill patients must manage their conditions at home daily.
For patients in either situation, having quality health care in their home can be the key to living their best life.
To provide that crucial service, Mercy and Integrity Home Care + Hospice are joining forces to more closely monitor and assist patients and their families throughout their healthcare journey.
“Integrity serves many patients throughout the region,” said Jon Swope, president of Mercy Springfield Communities and president of Mercy’s central region. “We plan to integrate Integrity with our electronic health record, so our doctors and clinical teams will be able to monitor and respond to even more home care patients’ conditions. That kind of coordinated care will reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and hospital readmissions because we can intervene more quickly.”
To create this fully integrated home care system, Integrity will merge Mercy Home Health & Hospice into its operations throughout southwest Missouri and southeastern Kansas. As a partner, Mercy will become a shareholder of Integrity and a member of the board of directors. While the company’s name will remain Integrity Home Care + Hospice, the logo will include information about its partnership with Mercy. Together, the two systems will become an even stronger home care and hospice team to serve the region.
“We help patients and their families navigate the challenging path of chronic illness, aging and end of life care in their homes, with an emphasis on their quality of life,” said Cliff Stepp, president of Integrity Home Care + Hospice. “Our goals include keeping chronically ill patients out of the hospital by monitoring their overall health and intervening before changes become serious. With skilled care, integrated medication management, and personal care services provided by an outstanding team of clinicians and caregivers, we’ll also closely support patients who choose us after they’re discharged from Mercy to home.”
As part of this new partnership, Mercy Home Health & Hospice co-workers in southwest Missouri and southeast Kansas will become a part of the larger Integrity team. Integrity Home Care + Hospice is headquartered in Springfield with offices in Joplin, Lebanon, Kansas City, Columbia, and St. Louis.
“This partnership makes great sense,” Swope said. “Along with their great quality scores, Integrity shares our faith-based mission and core values and puts patients at the center of making decisions about their own care. Our caregivers do the same and I know they will be valuable members of this new organization.”
A transition team is in place, with plans to complete the work this fall.
Mercy, which services millions annually, and was named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by IBM Watson Health. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy’s IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.