Newman Regional Health continues adjustments after announcing changes to its cardiac care services earlier this year.
In April, the hospital announced it was ending its emergency cardiac cath services effective Monday and was trimming its remaining cardiac cath services to weekdays. On Wednesday, the hospital’s Board of Trustees got an update on some transfer arrangements that have been under discussion recently. Chief Executive Officer Bob Wright says Newman Regional Health has reached out to both Topeka hospitals because of their closeness to Emporia.
That also means certain equipment changes when it comes to transporting patients. Wright says the majority of cardiac patients will be considered critical care and about 20 percent won’t be eligible for clot-busting drugs for various reasons, so they will likely be airlifted. For patients taken by ground ambulance, the hospital is in discussions with receiving hospitals, Lyon County EMS and LifeSave — formerly known as LifeTeam Midwest — for options. There is a possibility LifeSave could station an ambulance at the hospital.
The hospital has used general and interventional cardiologists to handle emergency care since the cardiology program started in 2013. Eventually, there will be two general cardiologists to provide general cardiology, identify issues and then refer them to interventional cardiologists. Wright says the final plan could be to have an interventional cardiologist and three general cardiologists available for area patients, with specialists coming in for vascular cases on a scheduled basis. Wright also says he’s confident the hospital can provide a level of care that patients locally need.
Wright also encouraged residents to sign up for a LifeSave transport membership in case an airlift is needed. He says the $50 annual cost means LifeSave will cover airlift costs not covered by insurance.
