By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
One year ago on Jan. 1, 2023 Stormont Vail Health - Flint Hills campus opened for business, succeeding the former Geary Community Hospital in Junction City. Since then there have been improvements.
Tracey Duran, Interim Administrator and Regional Nursing Director, said they have worked hard to make a great foundation. There is a ways to go but she noted that they're paving a path to make the facility a long sustaining hospital.
Turnover has decreased, 50 to 60 people have been added, multiple physicians have been added and all are staffed through Stormont Vail. "There's a new life in the building. And I've heard many community members come and tell me that. Man, it's just a different vibe there now."
There are currently no less than 1,100 patients treated in the emergency room each month compared to less than 1,000 prior to 2022. Duran pointed to trust that is being gained in the community and good reviews that have been received from patients. Two more E-R doctors will also be added in February.
More patients are also being seen on the inpatient unit as well. "So really our goal is to keep care in the community. We don't want you to have to travel to Manhattan or Topeka to receive your care," said Duran.
New things are also being tried. Telemedicine has been brought for cardiology consults and with diabetes management to help with insulin needs.
A lot of hospitals are full so the facility in Junction City is able to help surrounding communities. "We've recently had multiple patients that are in different communities around Kansas that needed advanced imaging. We have a great imaging department and we were able to bring those patients in, do the imaging studies that were needed and then send them back home. That reduced travel time for those patients.
In January procedural pain management treatment will be brought to the facility. Duran said that will involve multiple procedures and not the medication side of pain management.
The Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills Campus provides increased access to specialized medical treatment and serves to support economic prosperity and quality of life in Junction City.