SB 17-267, Sustainability of Rural Colorado
The passing of SB 17-267, Sustainability of Rural Colorado, marks a significant moment in Colorado history. This bill - in addition to other components designed to support rural Colorado through transportation and education funding - will move the Hospital Provider Fee into a separate enterprise, protecting Colorado's hospitals from a half billion-dollar budget cut. The bill sponsors and legislators created a legacy for the future of health care in Colorado and for the value of working together to find common ground. This bill has been described as the "compromise of the decade."
We applaud Colorado legislators who supported SB 17-267 and especially the bill's sponsors. They serve as a national model for their ability to work across the aisle on behalf of all Coloradans. Representative Kimmi Lewis and Senator Larry Crowder are specific examples of how important it is to elect leaders who are committed to representing the best interest of Coloradans and keeping their community interests at the heart of the debate. Representative Lewis and Senator Crowder are champions for all Coloradans.
Not only has SB 17-267 restored the proposed $528 million in cuts to hospitals through the HPF enterprise, it has made great strides in education and transportation, with a large portion of these funds allocated to rural Colorado - $30 million for rural and small schools and $1.8 billion for transportation projects over four years. Of those transportation dollars, 25 percent is required to be spent in counties with populations of 50,000 or less and 10 percent goes to transit. SB 17-267 addresses health care, education, transportation and business - the cornerstones of Colorado's economy.
Thank you to Representative Lewis and Senator Crowder and to all Colorado legislators for your ongoing efforts to work across the aisle to ensure a healthy, sustainable and prosperous future for all Coloradans.
Southeast Colorado Hospital District Celebrates Graduation of Nurse Aides
A celebration was held on June 15th recognizing the accomplishments of Chelsea McCallum, Janet Fleener, Montana Cook, Karleigh Day, Erica Williams, and Paige Hebberd who completed their Nurse Aide Training. Education to become a Nurse Aide combines classroom sessions, along with hands on learning under the supervision of professional clinicians. Candidates practice their skills while directly caring for patients and residents in the Long Term Care Center. After passing the course, graduates must take a state certification exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Southeast Colorado Hospital District (SECHD) pays for the testing fees for nurse aides that are hired by the SECHD/Long Term Care Center. Many of the Nurse Aides continue their education in other areas of medicine.
Pictured:
Chelsea McCallum, Janet Fleener, Montana Cook, Karleigh Day, Erica Williams, and Paige Hebberd
Southeast Colorado Hospital News
National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week - April 19-25
Southeast Colorado Hospital District is fortunate to have a quality lab staffed by a dedicated professional laboratory team. Our lab is where tests are done on clinical specimens, such as blood, in order to get information about the health of a patient as pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. The manager of the lab is Sheila Moffett, who is assisted by a team of full and part-time employees. Our lab offers a wide variety of lab testing in-house, and works with Quest Diagnostics for tests not provided at SECHD in order to meet patient/customer needs.The staff at Southeast Colorado Hospital is highly trained, friendly and professional. They work hard to provide timely and quality results. Hours of operation are M-W-F from 7:00 am-5:30 pm and T-Th from 7:00 am-6:00 pm. The staff provides 24/7 coverage when needed and in emergencies.
Stop by and say hi - and thanks - and share in the celebration of National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week!
Pictured:
Brenda Forgey, Debbie Auburger, Sheila Moffett, and Mark Miranda
Robert Izyk
Southeast Colorado Hospital District Celebrates Graduation of Nurse Aides
A celebration was held on April 17th recognizing the accomplishments of Carrie Moseley, Jessi Churchill, Trisha Garrett, Mistie Cooper, and Stephanie Reyes who completed their Nurse Aide Training. Education to become a Nurse Aide combines classroom sessions, along with hands on learning under the supervision of professional clinicians. Candidates practice their skills while directly caring for patients and residents in the Long Term Care Center. After passing the course, graduates must take a state certification exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Southeast Colorado Hospital District (SECHD) pays for the testing fees for nurse aides that are hired by the SECHD/Long Term Care Center. Many of the Nurse Aides continue their education in other areas of medicine.
Pictured:
Carrie Moseley, Jessi Churchill, Trisha Garrett, Mistie Cooper, and Stephanie Reyes.
Southeast Colorado Hospital District Celebrates Graduation of Nurse Aides
alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy">Pictured: Megan Miller, Glenice Wade, Assistant Director of Nursing, Melissa Davenport, and Jerry Jasper, SECHD CEO.
A celebration was held on February 27th recognizing the accomplishments of Melissa Davenport and Megan Miller who completed their Nurse Aide Training. Education to become a Nurse Aide combines classroom sessions, along with hands on learning under the supervision of professional clinicians. Candidates practice their skills while directly caring for patients and residents in the Long Term Care Center. After passing the course, graduates must take a state certification exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Southeast Colorado Hospital District (SECHD) pays for the testing fees for nurse aides that are hired by the SECHD/Long Term Care Center. Many of the Nurse Aides continue their education in other areas of medicine.
New Cardiac Monitoring System at Southeast Colorado Hospital District
Southeast Colorado Hospital District has upgraded the cardiac monitoring system for the entire hospital. The new system, manufactured by Nihon Kohden America, is rated one of the highest cardiac monitoring systems in the U.S. The staff at SECHD is very excited to have the new cardiac monitors operational!
The central monitor can see all beds being monitored at one time, and, all the bedside monitors have the same capability, eliminating the need to go back to the central monitor for full disclosure of information. If the patient is on a telemetry unit, a 12-lead ECG can be seen on that particular unit without the nurse going back to the central station. Eventually, the system will be interfaced into the electronic health record system, reducing charting time and allowing the nurses to spend more time at the bedside and less time in front of the computers charting.
The system also has the capability of monitoring several vital functions at once which gives the physicians and nursing staff a complete picture of the patient's status on a continuous basis.
"Alarm fatigue" is one of the current hazards in all hospitals-every piece of equipment, from IV pumps to blood pressure monitors, has an alarm. The Nihon Kohden system reduces the amount of alarms with sophisticated software that allows the cardiac monitor to alarm when necessary, but alert the nurses promptly for all pattern deviations.
We are proud to be able to serve our community, our friends and neighbors, with state of the art equipment. Come by the hospital to see your tax dollars and charitable contributions at work.
Annual Tree of Lights Ceremony
The Annual Tree of Lights Ceremony was held on December 22, in the lobby of Colorado East Bank and Trust. The ceremony, hosted by the Baca County Hospice, is a time of remembrance and hope. Decorating the tree were over 140 ornaments with names of loved ones remembered by family and friends. Pastor Love read each name, and shared scripture and words of encouragement. Randy Cooper provided inspirational songs. Refreshments and fellowship were enjoyed by those in attendance following this beautiful ceremony.
 Representing the Hospice Advisory Board: Nancy Locke, Marvina Gold, Cheryl Rutherford, Nyla Hartley, Diana Litke, Pastor Bruce Love |
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Black Tie Celebration
The Annual Black Tie Celebration was held at the Springfield Long Term Care Center on December 18. Festive dress and beautiful decorations were the order of the afternoon. Residents, their families and guests enjoyed Christmas Music and delicious desserts. Thank you to the dedicated staff who made this afternoon special for their extended family at the Long Term Care Center.
Change in Dates! Train To Be A Nurse Aide
Southeast Colorado Hospital District will offer training as a Nurse Aide beginning in January. Nurse aides learn to care for hospital patients and residents in Long Term Care Centers. The Nurse Aide Classes are an opportunity to begin a career in the medical field. The upcoming class will run three weeks, February 9th - February 28th from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. Applications will be accepted up to the deadline of January 21st. To apply, you must be 16 or older with no record of a felony, violent or theft crime and you must pass a drug screening to be considered for the class. A reading comprehension test and an interview will be completed prior to acceptance into the Nurse Aide Class. For more information, please contact Glenice Wade, Assistant Director of Nursing, at 719-523-2141.
Southeast Colorado Hospital District Celebrates Certification of Nursing Assistants
A celebration was held on October 31st recognizing the accomplishments of five individuals who received their certificates to become Certified Nursing Assistants. Education to become a CNA combines classroom sessions, along with hands on learning under the supervision of professional clinicians. Candidates practice their skills while directly caring for patients and residents in the Long Term Care Center. After passing the course, graduates must take a state certification exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Southeast Colorado Hospital District (SECHD) pays for the testing fees for nurse aides that are hired by the SECHD/Long Term Care Center. Many of the CNAs continue their education in other areas of medicine. The CNA classes are held twice annually. The next class will begin January 5, 2015. Contact the Hospital to learn more if you are interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant.
( Pictured: From left to right is Tressa Moore, Shalie Salazar, Julieann Garcia, Tristan Horn and Mary McNeal)
Hospital Receives Rutherford Grant
Southeast Colorado Hospital District would like to recognize the Rutherford Trust for a generous grant received this month. The Rutherford Trust has been a valued friend and supporter of the Hospital District for many years. Please join us in thanking the Rutherford Trust for their contributions to our community.Sugarman Caregiving Award Nominees
Four Members of the Southeast Colorado Hospital District Long Term Care Center and Alzheimer Team have been nominated for the honored Sugerman Excellence in Caregiving Award. Nominees must be professional care providers who are recognized for their direct personal care to people with dementia. Nominations are made by family members of patients, who see daily the important contributions of these caregivers. Congratulations to Justin Krieger, Ann Garcia, Angela Rodgers and
Betty Vanbaale.
The Daniels Fund
Pictured l to r: Sharon Tate, DON, LTCC; Heather Burdick, Assistant DON, LTCC; KayCee McCallum, Activities Director; Jerry Jasper, CEO/Administrator; Dorothy Burke, CFO; and Glenice Wade, Alzheimer's Unit Director.
Southeast Colorado Hospital District wishes to extend our gratitude to the Daniels Fund for the grant of $10,004 to be allocated for the "It's Never 2 Lake (iN2L) system." Through technology, this system will allow high school students and residents of our Long Term Care Center to develop and promote interactions between the generations.
"These grant funds will help us to sustain and enhance the quality of care provided to our long-term care residents while enhancing community involvement within our organization," Jerry Jasper, CEO/Administrator stated. "Meeting the health needs of our community, patients, and residents is a mission undertaken by the Board of Directors, myself, and the entire staff. We are grateful for the sustaining support of the Daniels Fund."
SECHD Receives Clinical Excellence Award
Southeast Colorado Hospital District's Hospital Nursing Department recently received the 2013 Clinical Excellence Award from the Colorado Hospital Association. This award recognizes the delivery of quality nursing care in qualifying hospitals across the state.
The quality measures addressed by the nursing department include:
Readmissions to the hospital for the same or similar problem were reduced by more than 20% over the prior year
Readmissions to the hospital for the same or similar problem were reduced by more than 20% over the prior yearMaintaining zero patient falls for six months
Maintaining zero adverse drug events for more than six months
Maintaining zero pressure ulcers for more than six months
Maintaining zero catheter-associated urinary tract infections for more than six months
Maintaining zero venous thrombo-embolisms for more than six months
In addition to these quality measures, SECHD also reported on hospital acquired infections, pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and stroke. SECHD consistently had a low percentage of patients who developed complications during their hospital stay.
Cecelia Deen, Chief Nursing Officer of SECHD's Critical Access Hospital, stated, "We are proud of the clinical team and their continuous effort to prevent or reduce complications from a patient's hospital stay. This award recognizes collaborative efforts of our nursing staff, pharmacy, and Medical Staff."
CANCER LEAGUE OF COLORADO AWARDS GRANT
Southeast Colorado Hospital District Home Health Agency and Baca County Hospice is pleased to announce that they have received a grant in the amount of $6,000 from the Cancer League of Colorado. This grant will be used to fund the Cancer Travel Fund to help local cancer patients and their families.
These funds are used primarily to help meet transportation costs, assisting patients with travel to cancer care providers. If you are a resident of Baca County, you are eligible for assistance from the Cancer Travel Fund. For information call Nyla Hartley at 719-523-2196 or Diana Litke at 719-523-4057.
"We would like to say thank you to the Cancer League of Colorado for the generous grant. Our neighbors in need are so grateful for all the help they can get at very trying times" expressed Nyla Hartley, Director, SECHD Home Health and Hospice. Additional donations are welcome, and can be made by contacting the Home Care Agency office.
SECHD Lab Receives Grant from Caring For Colorado
Southeast Colorado Hospital District recently received a $26,250.00 grant from the Caring for Colorado Foundation. The grant will fund a new Coagulation Analyzer for the District's Medical Laboratory.
The new, state-of-the-art blood coagulation analyzer equipment system will replace the existing equipment which is becoming technologically obsolete. The new equipment system will allow the laboratory to perform all blood coagulation testing procedures on-site, with rapid result reporting to the physicians in both emergency and non-emergency patient care situations.
The SECHD Laboratory strives to provide a wide range of diagnostic tests. Lab Manager Clara Tanner identified the need to replace the existing Coagulation Analyzer and additionally have the potential to expand the lab's testing services with the new equipment. The new analyzer will allow SECHD to expand its testing menu to deliver quality patient care to the residents and visitors of Baca County.
The Hospital District expresses its appreciation for the generous support from the Caring For Colorado Foundation in improving access to high quality diagnostic care.
For more information please visit www.caringforcolorado.org