The Kansas City, Kan., Police Department is investigating a homicide that happened near the University of Kansas Hospital.
More information:
Fight in parking lot rainbow road leads to shooting
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Friday, January 2, 2015
State finalizes sale of Rainbow Mental Health Facility to KU Endowment
By Dave Ranney
KHI News Service
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — State officials have sold the former Rainbow Mental Health Facility building to the University of Kansas Endowment Association.
The 11-acre property is a short distance from KU Medical Center.
KHI News Service
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — State officials have sold the former Rainbow Mental Health Facility building to the University of Kansas Endowment Association.
The 11-acre property is a short distance from KU Medical Center.
Friday, December 5, 2014
HEALTH: Flu shot remains your best flu protection even with mutated flu strain
Courtesy of KU Hospital
KANSAS CITY, KAN.—A physician at The University of Kansas Hospital is advising the public not to be overly concerned about the Centers for Disease Control announcement of a mutated strain of flu observed this year.
“It is true that the mutated flu strain will make a part of the vaccine less effective this year, but it is only one part of the three or four vaccines in the flu shot,” said Lee Norman, MD, chief medical officer of The University of Kansas Hospital.
“Even if a vaccinated person makes contract with the mutated strain, the current vaccine will likely make any flu illness less severe. And if you have been vaccinated and has early indications of a severe flu, call your doctor, who could recommend some anti-viral medications,” said Dr. Norman.
Dr. Norman recommends getting a flu shot now, if you haven’t received one yet. He said you could get one as late as the end of February and still be effective.
KANSAS CITY, KAN.—A physician at The University of Kansas Hospital is advising the public not to be overly concerned about the Centers for Disease Control announcement of a mutated strain of flu observed this year.
“It is true that the mutated flu strain will make a part of the vaccine less effective this year, but it is only one part of the three or four vaccines in the flu shot,” said Lee Norman, MD, chief medical officer of The University of Kansas Hospital.
“Even if a vaccinated person makes contract with the mutated strain, the current vaccine will likely make any flu illness less severe. And if you have been vaccinated and has early indications of a severe flu, call your doctor, who could recommend some anti-viral medications,” said Dr. Norman.
Dr. Norman recommends getting a flu shot now, if you haven’t received one yet. He said you could get one as late as the end of February and still be effective.
Monday, October 27, 2014
KU Hospital nurse awarded National Magnet Nurse of the Year Honor
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – For the second time in three years, a nurse at The University of Kansas Hospital has been named one of five National Magnet Nurses of the Year by The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the same organization that awards Magnet status on hospitals.
Debbie Pennington, RN, BSN, clinical program coordinator for the nation’s first Neonatal Medical Home, received the honor today at the ANCC National Magnet Conference in Dallas.
While most neonatal ICUs provide follow-up care, those services usually target specific treatments, such as the child’s growth or lung health. Pennington helped establish the Neonatal Medical Home to take a broader approach.
In addition to those specialties, neonatologists in the medical home provide primary care, such as immunizations, lab draws and other well-child services.
Pennington said the clinic sees about 700 patients through age 5, most of them ‘graduates’ from our NICU. The clinic's staff is a single point of contact for these medically complex children. The clinic has achieved remarkably high levels of immunization rates and visit compliance rates.
Pennington said the impressive results reflect the relationships parents developed with physicians and others on the healthcare team during their babies’ first days in our NICU.
“It’s all about continuity,” she said. “As their children age, parents like knowing they can continue to see the same providers and specialists. Our goal always is to provide as much service as possible within one clinic visit.”
Friday, October 17, 2014
KU Hospital wins Consumer Choice Award for Third Consecutive Year
KANSAS CITY, KAN. — In the only award where members of the community choose the individual hospital they feel provides the highest quality service, The University of Kansas Hospital has won the 2014-15 National Research Corporation Consumer Choice Award for Kansas City.
It is the third year in a row The University of Kansas Hospital has won the award for Kansas City outright. This is the 19th anniversary of the Consumer Choice Award and the award is based on local results from a national survey of 290,000 households.
The award recognizes hospitals which possess:
The award comes as the hospital earlier this year was one of only 14 hospitals nationally to be named in all 12 data-based national “Best Hospital” lists from U.S. News & World Report.
Bob Page, president and chief executive officer of The University of Kansas Hospital, said consumers have also shown their support for the hospital by choosing it in record numbers for their healthcare needs.
Page also noted that being the choice of consumers means the growth of the hospital is often at full capacity and needs an additional hospital building. Plans for the 92-bed Cambridge North building at 39th and State Line Road have been announced.
The hospital is working to raise $100 million dollars from the philanthropic community for the project.
It is the third year in a row The University of Kansas Hospital has won the award for Kansas City outright. This is the 19th anniversary of the Consumer Choice Award and the award is based on local results from a national survey of 290,000 households.
The award recognizes hospitals which possess:
- Best Overall Quality
- Best Overall Image/Reputation
- Best Doctors
- Best Nurses
The award comes as the hospital earlier this year was one of only 14 hospitals nationally to be named in all 12 data-based national “Best Hospital” lists from U.S. News & World Report.
Bob Page, president and chief executive officer of The University of Kansas Hospital, said consumers have also shown their support for the hospital by choosing it in record numbers for their healthcare needs.
Page also noted that being the choice of consumers means the growth of the hospital is often at full capacity and needs an additional hospital building. Plans for the 92-bed Cambridge North building at 39th and State Line Road have been announced.
The hospital is working to raise $100 million dollars from the philanthropic community for the project.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Nanotax trial shows promise in treating abdominal cancers
University of Kansas Hospital
KANSAS CITY, KAN. — A repurposed drug originally used to treat ovarian cancer saw positive results for patients with advanced peritoneal cancers during a phase I clinical trial at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.
The drug, known under the brand name Nanotax, is a fine particle reformulation of paclitaxel, the standard treatment for ovarian cancer.
The drug was developed by Lawrence-based CritiTech, and the drug-testing and phase I clinical trial were conducted by KU Cancer Center researchers, led by Stephen Williamson, M.D., medical director of Cancer Clinical Trials.
Nanotax works by flipping the script on how paclitaxel is administered to patients and with how it's formulated, potentially making it a more effective and better tolerated treatment for ovarian and other abdominal cancers.
During the trial, five out of 21 late-stage cancer patients survived more than 400 days after being treated with Nanotax at high concentrations for more than four weeks.
Seventy four percent of enrolled patients were diagnosed with ovarian cancer with tumors that had relapsed and metastasized in the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity.
The treatment was well tolerated by patients and there were no serious adverse reactions reported from the drug.
The main purpose of phase I clinical trials are to evaluate the safety of a new drug, helping researchers determine the maximum dose that can be given safely as well as any harmful side effects.
Patients enrolled in phase I trials can no longer be treated effectively with standard treatments.
Although the effectiveness of the new drug is not the main concern of a phase I trial, Williamson noted it was promising that five of the patients survived more than a year after starting the drug.
"Because these patients have advanced disease, we didn't think we'd see much benefit," said Williamson. "But some patients stayed on it for a longer period of time, which is more than what we expected and is promising. “Unlike regular paclitaxel, which is given intravenously over a few hours, Nanotax is given as a bolus injection, a single large dosage all at once. It's injected directly into the peritoneum through a catheter, which exposes the tumors to higher concentrations of the drug compared to standard IV paclitaxel treatment."
"The fine particles of this drug allow for it to be released slowly and stay in the abdomen," said Katherine Roby, Ph.D., research associate professor in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at KU Medical Cancer, who started her pre-clinical work on Nanotax more than a decade ago. "The concentration of the drug stays higher in the space where the cancer is, killing more cancer cells. This allows less of the drug to be absorbed systemically and fewer side effects."
Previous studies on mice showed that Nanotax had a ten-fold higher maximum tolerated dose compared to paclitaxel. It also increased overall survival compared to paclitaxel.
The lack of major side effects is also a good sign for future usage of Nanotax. When regular paclitaxel is given to patients, it is mixed with ethanol and castor oil derivative, and many patients develop an allergy to that additive. (All patients are pretreated to prevent serious allergic reactions.) Nanotax is the fine particle formulation of paclitaxel mixed with saline, which the body can absorb and tolerate much better without the allergy risk.
"The significance of this trial is that many patients... develop an allergy to what is mixed with paclitaxel, creating more side effects," said Williamson. "This new drug eliminates those side effects because it stays in its pure form and doesn't need the problematic agent mixed with it."
Because Nanotax is a repurposed form of an already in-use drug, it shortened the time between animal and patient trials. If the drug makes it through subsequent patient trials, it will be available for doctors to prescribe much sooner than a drug created from scratch.
The time it takes for a new drug to go from bench to prescription pad can be staggering-typically three to six years are needed for development before it's even ready for safety and efficacy testing, according to the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.
CritiTech will be working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration when it comes to the next phases of testing and developing Nanotax.
"We may be testing this drug in combination with others in the next phase of trials," said Williamson. "It does make it easier to get to patients sooner since paclitaxel is already on the market and we know a lot about how it works."
Ovarian cancer is difficult to treat because it's not often diagnosed until it has already metastasized to the peritoneum, liver or lung, the most common sites of metastasis according to the National Cancer Institute.
Sixty one percent of ovarian cancers have already metastasized at diagnosis, according to the National Cancer Institute.
About 44.6 percent of patients survive five years after being diagnosed. Other cancers that can metastasize to the peritoneum include pancreatic, colorectal, liver and bladder cancers.
"Ultimately, everyone is hoping it will be a first line of treatment for these types of abdominal cancers," said Roby. "And from the results of this phase I trial, it should clear the way for the drug to move forward in that direction."
Other KUCC faculty involved in Nanotax trial:
KANSAS CITY, KAN. — A repurposed drug originally used to treat ovarian cancer saw positive results for patients with advanced peritoneal cancers during a phase I clinical trial at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.
The drug, known under the brand name Nanotax, is a fine particle reformulation of paclitaxel, the standard treatment for ovarian cancer.
The drug was developed by Lawrence-based CritiTech, and the drug-testing and phase I clinical trial were conducted by KU Cancer Center researchers, led by Stephen Williamson, M.D., medical director of Cancer Clinical Trials.
Nanotax works by flipping the script on how paclitaxel is administered to patients and with how it's formulated, potentially making it a more effective and better tolerated treatment for ovarian and other abdominal cancers.
During the trial, five out of 21 late-stage cancer patients survived more than 400 days after being treated with Nanotax at high concentrations for more than four weeks.
Seventy four percent of enrolled patients were diagnosed with ovarian cancer with tumors that had relapsed and metastasized in the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity.
The treatment was well tolerated by patients and there were no serious adverse reactions reported from the drug.
The main purpose of phase I clinical trials are to evaluate the safety of a new drug, helping researchers determine the maximum dose that can be given safely as well as any harmful side effects.
Patients enrolled in phase I trials can no longer be treated effectively with standard treatments.
Although the effectiveness of the new drug is not the main concern of a phase I trial, Williamson noted it was promising that five of the patients survived more than a year after starting the drug.
"Because these patients have advanced disease, we didn't think we'd see much benefit," said Williamson. "But some patients stayed on it for a longer period of time, which is more than what we expected and is promising. “Unlike regular paclitaxel, which is given intravenously over a few hours, Nanotax is given as a bolus injection, a single large dosage all at once. It's injected directly into the peritoneum through a catheter, which exposes the tumors to higher concentrations of the drug compared to standard IV paclitaxel treatment."
"The fine particles of this drug allow for it to be released slowly and stay in the abdomen," said Katherine Roby, Ph.D., research associate professor in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at KU Medical Cancer, who started her pre-clinical work on Nanotax more than a decade ago. "The concentration of the drug stays higher in the space where the cancer is, killing more cancer cells. This allows less of the drug to be absorbed systemically and fewer side effects."
Previous studies on mice showed that Nanotax had a ten-fold higher maximum tolerated dose compared to paclitaxel. It also increased overall survival compared to paclitaxel.
The lack of major side effects is also a good sign for future usage of Nanotax. When regular paclitaxel is given to patients, it is mixed with ethanol and castor oil derivative, and many patients develop an allergy to that additive. (All patients are pretreated to prevent serious allergic reactions.) Nanotax is the fine particle formulation of paclitaxel mixed with saline, which the body can absorb and tolerate much better without the allergy risk.
"The significance of this trial is that many patients... develop an allergy to what is mixed with paclitaxel, creating more side effects," said Williamson. "This new drug eliminates those side effects because it stays in its pure form and doesn't need the problematic agent mixed with it."
Because Nanotax is a repurposed form of an already in-use drug, it shortened the time between animal and patient trials. If the drug makes it through subsequent patient trials, it will be available for doctors to prescribe much sooner than a drug created from scratch.
The time it takes for a new drug to go from bench to prescription pad can be staggering-typically three to six years are needed for development before it's even ready for safety and efficacy testing, according to the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.
CritiTech will be working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration when it comes to the next phases of testing and developing Nanotax.
"We may be testing this drug in combination with others in the next phase of trials," said Williamson. "It does make it easier to get to patients sooner since paclitaxel is already on the market and we know a lot about how it works."
Ovarian cancer is difficult to treat because it's not often diagnosed until it has already metastasized to the peritoneum, liver or lung, the most common sites of metastasis according to the National Cancer Institute.
Sixty one percent of ovarian cancers have already metastasized at diagnosis, according to the National Cancer Institute.
About 44.6 percent of patients survive five years after being diagnosed. Other cancers that can metastasize to the peritoneum include pancreatic, colorectal, liver and bladder cancers.
"Ultimately, everyone is hoping it will be a first line of treatment for these types of abdominal cancers," said Roby. "And from the results of this phase I trial, it should clear the way for the drug to move forward in that direction."
Other KUCC faculty involved in Nanotax trial:
- Gregory Reed, Ph.D, associate professor of pharmacology, toxicology and therapeutics
- Julia Chapman, M.D., associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology
- Gary Johnson, M.D., professor of obstetrics and gynecology
- Cancer Center of Kansas (Wichita)
- Peggy & Charles Stephenson Oklahoma Cancer Center (Oklahoma City, Okla.)
Monday, August 4, 2014
Doctors at KU Hospital put Ebola Virus disease into perspective
KANSAS CITY, Kan.— The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have released detailed guidelines and clinical criteria for evaluating patients who might appear with symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and are at risk for having been exposed to EVD.
The guidelines include, but are not limited to, a fever greater than 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and additional symptoms such as severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or unexplained hemorrhage.
Also, the CDC guidelines call for assessing epidemiologic risk factors within the 3 weeks before the onset of symptoms, such as contact with blood or other body fluids of a patient known to have or suspected to have EVD; residence in—or travel to—an area where EVD outbreak or direct handling of bats, rodents, or primates from disease-endemic areas.
The CDC alert says patients should also be checked for malaria, which doctors at The University of Kansas Hospital says shares some of the same symptoms as EVD and is also very deadly.
“Malaria kills close to a million people annually, worldwide” James L. Fishback, MD, professor of Pathology and Lab Medicine; at The University of Kansas Hospital said. “We’ve never had an outbreak of EVD on US soil, but we treat a few cases of malaria here at KU Hospital every year, as well as tuberculosis, which also claims nearly a million lives every year.”
Doctors say it’s important to keep the EVD outbreak in perspective. Although it’s making big headlines in the national news, it is extremely rare, and mainly a risk to people who are taking care of EVD patients in Africa.
Doctors say EVD outbreaks happen about every ten years.
People should use common sense and consult CDC travel advisories for this and other diseases if you’re planning travel to areas reported in the current outbreak.
The guidelines include, but are not limited to, a fever greater than 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and additional symptoms such as severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or unexplained hemorrhage.
Also, the CDC guidelines call for assessing epidemiologic risk factors within the 3 weeks before the onset of symptoms, such as contact with blood or other body fluids of a patient known to have or suspected to have EVD; residence in—or travel to—an area where EVD outbreak or direct handling of bats, rodents, or primates from disease-endemic areas.
The CDC alert says patients should also be checked for malaria, which doctors at The University of Kansas Hospital says shares some of the same symptoms as EVD and is also very deadly.
“Malaria kills close to a million people annually, worldwide” James L. Fishback, MD, professor of Pathology and Lab Medicine; at The University of Kansas Hospital said. “We’ve never had an outbreak of EVD on US soil, but we treat a few cases of malaria here at KU Hospital every year, as well as tuberculosis, which also claims nearly a million lives every year.”
Doctors say it’s important to keep the EVD outbreak in perspective. Although it’s making big headlines in the national news, it is extremely rare, and mainly a risk to people who are taking care of EVD patients in Africa.
Doctors say EVD outbreaks happen about every ten years.
People should use common sense and consult CDC travel advisories for this and other diseases if you’re planning travel to areas reported in the current outbreak.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Weekend hours now available to get radiology, testing done at KU Hospital
KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- If your life is just too hectic during the week to get the X-Ray or
MRI your doctor ordered for you, you now have the option to get your
radiology tests on Saturday or Sunday.
Starting June 21, radiologists at The University of Kansas Hospital will offer MRI, CT scans, ultrasound and X-ray services from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends at the Medical Office Building, on the south side of the hospital at Olathe Boulevard and Cambridge Street in Kansas City, Kansas.
While 24-hour radiology service has always been available to inpatients and emergency patients, this is the first time weekend hours have been offered for outpatient needs.
Dr. Phillip Johnson, chair of radiology, says the changes were made to provide better service to patients and referring physicians, and also to provide a more timely diagnosis.
Dr. Johnson said the service will also assist with the hospital’s network of weekend urgent care clinics.
Since all outpatient radiology processes require insurance pre-certification, it is recommended that you schedule your appointment during the week by called 913-588-6804.
Starting June 21, radiologists at The University of Kansas Hospital will offer MRI, CT scans, ultrasound and X-ray services from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends at the Medical Office Building, on the south side of the hospital at Olathe Boulevard and Cambridge Street in Kansas City, Kansas.
While 24-hour radiology service has always been available to inpatients and emergency patients, this is the first time weekend hours have been offered for outpatient needs.
Dr. Phillip Johnson, chair of radiology, says the changes were made to provide better service to patients and referring physicians, and also to provide a more timely diagnosis.
Dr. Johnson said the service will also assist with the hospital’s network of weekend urgent care clinics.
Since all outpatient radiology processes require insurance pre-certification, it is recommended that you schedule your appointment during the week by called 913-588-6804.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
KU Hospital: New Mosquito threat this summer
KANSAS CITY, KAN.— Mosquitoes are on the move again and with them the potentially dangerous diseases they carry.
West Nile, malaria, yellow fever, and St. Louis encephalitis are some of the more common diseases carried by mosquitoes and now a new threat is emerging from a disease found for the first time last year in the Americas in the islands of the Caribbean.
“Chikungunya virus gets its name from outbreaks in East Africa dating back to the 1950’s,” Lee Norman, MD, chief medical officer with The University of Kansas Hospital said. “It has nothing to do with chickens, instead the name describes the posture of people who suffer Chikungunya as they stoop from the pain in their joints. Chikungunya sufferers say it feels like a combination of severe flu and severe arthritis.”
Chikungunya virus is a serious illness and Kansas public health officials are studying the disease and the mosquito that carries it to learn more while medical experts like Dr. Norman keep a watchful eye for the symptoms in people who fall sick - especially after traveling to the Caribbean.
Whether traveling or sitting in your backyard, Dr. Norman says to consider wearing light colored, long sleeves and pants when outdoors. If you use DEET products, make sure the strength is 30 percent or less and consider spraying on your clothing as well as skin.
If possible, sit next to a fan as mosquitoes find it difficult to fly and land in a breeze. Lastly, avoid perfumes and colognes as research shows mosquitoes are attracted to different scents.
West Nile, malaria, yellow fever, and St. Louis encephalitis are some of the more common diseases carried by mosquitoes and now a new threat is emerging from a disease found for the first time last year in the Americas in the islands of the Caribbean.
“Chikungunya virus gets its name from outbreaks in East Africa dating back to the 1950’s,” Lee Norman, MD, chief medical officer with The University of Kansas Hospital said. “It has nothing to do with chickens, instead the name describes the posture of people who suffer Chikungunya as they stoop from the pain in their joints. Chikungunya sufferers say it feels like a combination of severe flu and severe arthritis.”
Chikungunya virus is a serious illness and Kansas public health officials are studying the disease and the mosquito that carries it to learn more while medical experts like Dr. Norman keep a watchful eye for the symptoms in people who fall sick - especially after traveling to the Caribbean.
Whether traveling or sitting in your backyard, Dr. Norman says to consider wearing light colored, long sleeves and pants when outdoors. If you use DEET products, make sure the strength is 30 percent or less and consider spraying on your clothing as well as skin.
If possible, sit next to a fan as mosquitoes find it difficult to fly and land in a breeze. Lastly, avoid perfumes and colognes as research shows mosquitoes are attracted to different scents.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
New hospital gets major boost from Sunderland Foundation
KU Hospital
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Sunderland Foundation, which for 69 years has donated to many causes throughout Kansas City, has made the largest donation in its history to support the construction of a new hospital for The University of Kansas Hospital.
The $2 million dollar grant will go toward Cambridge North, a new 92-bed hospital on the Kansas City, Kansas campus to support surgical oncology and neurosurgery.
The gift was announced by Kent Sunderland, president of the Sunderland Foundation, and Charles Sunderland, who is chairman of Ash Grove Cement. Kent and Charles Sunderland were also honorary co-chairs of the hospital’s major fund raising event Treads and Threads in 2013. Charles Sunderland has been a long time member of The University of Kansas Hospital Authority Board.
“I have watched this hospital grow into a national leader in quality patient care and an economic force in the Kansas City area. Patients need access to the leading edge services The University of Kansas Hospital provides and the Sunderland Foundation is pleased to do our part to support this community asset,” said Charles Sunderland.
The University of Kansas Hospital has seen patient volume grow 30 percent in the last five years. Its fastest growing services – neurosciences and surgical oncology, which include many Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) procedures – have grown nearly 40 percent over that period. Those specialty areas will move into Cambridge North, which will be located on the northeast corner of 39th and Cambridge Street.
“The construction schedule will depend on philanthropy,” said Bob Page, president and chief executive officer of The University of Kansas Hospital. “With leaders like the Sunderlands, joining Deanna and Greg Graves and others, we see a momentum growing for this project throughout the metropolitan area.”
Deanna and Greg Graves announced a $1 million personal donation to go along with the Burns & McDonnell Foundation’s $2.5 million gift.
“It is the record of the hospital itself that is building the momentum for Cambridge North,” said Greg Graves, chairman and chief executive officer of Burns & McDonnell. “Community leaders are expressing interest in the hospital’s plans. Deanna and I are working hard to turn that interest into philanthropy for this project.”
Graves said William H. Dunn, Sr. and Phil Kirk, Jr. have agreed to be honorary chairs for the effort to support Cambridge North.
“It is no surprise to anyone in Kansas City when the Sunderland family comes forward to support a worthwhile project in Kansas City. But we will need many other community leaders and organizations to step up to make Cambridge North a reality,” said William H. Dunn, Sr., Chairman Emeritus of JE Dunn Construction.
The hospital receives no state or local tax appropriations since it became an independent state authority in 1998.
The University of Kansas Hospital is a partner in philanthropy with KU Endowment Association These gifts will contribute to Far Above: The Campaign for Kansas, benefiting the University of Kansas and The University of Kansas Hospital.
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Sunderland Foundation, which for 69 years has donated to many causes throughout Kansas City, has made the largest donation in its history to support the construction of a new hospital for The University of Kansas Hospital.
The $2 million dollar grant will go toward Cambridge North, a new 92-bed hospital on the Kansas City, Kansas campus to support surgical oncology and neurosurgery.
The gift was announced by Kent Sunderland, president of the Sunderland Foundation, and Charles Sunderland, who is chairman of Ash Grove Cement. Kent and Charles Sunderland were also honorary co-chairs of the hospital’s major fund raising event Treads and Threads in 2013. Charles Sunderland has been a long time member of The University of Kansas Hospital Authority Board.
“I have watched this hospital grow into a national leader in quality patient care and an economic force in the Kansas City area. Patients need access to the leading edge services The University of Kansas Hospital provides and the Sunderland Foundation is pleased to do our part to support this community asset,” said Charles Sunderland.
The University of Kansas Hospital has seen patient volume grow 30 percent in the last five years. Its fastest growing services – neurosciences and surgical oncology, which include many Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) procedures – have grown nearly 40 percent over that period. Those specialty areas will move into Cambridge North, which will be located on the northeast corner of 39th and Cambridge Street.
“The construction schedule will depend on philanthropy,” said Bob Page, president and chief executive officer of The University of Kansas Hospital. “With leaders like the Sunderlands, joining Deanna and Greg Graves and others, we see a momentum growing for this project throughout the metropolitan area.”
Deanna and Greg Graves announced a $1 million personal donation to go along with the Burns & McDonnell Foundation’s $2.5 million gift.
“It is the record of the hospital itself that is building the momentum for Cambridge North,” said Greg Graves, chairman and chief executive officer of Burns & McDonnell. “Community leaders are expressing interest in the hospital’s plans. Deanna and I are working hard to turn that interest into philanthropy for this project.”
Graves said William H. Dunn, Sr. and Phil Kirk, Jr. have agreed to be honorary chairs for the effort to support Cambridge North.
“It is no surprise to anyone in Kansas City when the Sunderland family comes forward to support a worthwhile project in Kansas City. But we will need many other community leaders and organizations to step up to make Cambridge North a reality,” said William H. Dunn, Sr., Chairman Emeritus of JE Dunn Construction.
The hospital receives no state or local tax appropriations since it became an independent state authority in 1998.
The University of Kansas Hospital is a partner in philanthropy with KU Endowment Association These gifts will contribute to Far Above: The Campaign for Kansas, benefiting the University of Kansas and The University of Kansas Hospital.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Cardiologists at KU Hospital begin using tiny wireless heart monitor
KU Hospital
KANSAS CITY, Kan.— Cardiologists at The University of Kansas Hospital are among the first in the nation with a new tool to help them treat their patients...and it’s smaller than a Triple-A battery.
The device, called the LINQ, is slipped just beneath the patient’s skin in about 30 seconds in a doctor’s office, rather than an operating room, and it’s seen as a huge leap forward in patient comfort and monitoring.
Once inside the patient’s chest, the LINQ constantly and wirelessly monitors a patient’s heart for up to three years and sends a daily report to the doctor.
Since it uses wireless technology, a patient doesn’t have to be tied down to a land line, as was the case with older, much larger devices. Doctors can help patients find answers to unexplained fainting or other potential heart-related problems without interrupting the patient’s lifestyle.
Patients are also given a small device to hold up to their chest in the event they feel dizzy, lightheaded or faint. This triggers an alert in the doctor’s office and begins transmitting real-time information for quick analysis and possible treatment.
“The technology itself has been around for a few years, but the size of the device and the ease of implanting it is very new,” said Dr. Rhea Pimentel, an electrophysiologist at The University of Kansas Hospital. “I think this is going to open a bunch of new doors for the way we diagnose and treat our patients.”
The Food and Drug Administration approved the LINQ for use in February, making it the smallest implantable cardiac monitoring device available on the market, according to its Minneapolis-based manufacturer, Medtronic, Inc.
KANSAS CITY, Kan.— Cardiologists at The University of Kansas Hospital are among the first in the nation with a new tool to help them treat their patients...and it’s smaller than a Triple-A battery.
The device, called the LINQ, is slipped just beneath the patient’s skin in about 30 seconds in a doctor’s office, rather than an operating room, and it’s seen as a huge leap forward in patient comfort and monitoring.
Once inside the patient’s chest, the LINQ constantly and wirelessly monitors a patient’s heart for up to three years and sends a daily report to the doctor.
Since it uses wireless technology, a patient doesn’t have to be tied down to a land line, as was the case with older, much larger devices. Doctors can help patients find answers to unexplained fainting or other potential heart-related problems without interrupting the patient’s lifestyle.
Patients are also given a small device to hold up to their chest in the event they feel dizzy, lightheaded or faint. This triggers an alert in the doctor’s office and begins transmitting real-time information for quick analysis and possible treatment.
“The technology itself has been around for a few years, but the size of the device and the ease of implanting it is very new,” said Dr. Rhea Pimentel, an electrophysiologist at The University of Kansas Hospital. “I think this is going to open a bunch of new doors for the way we diagnose and treat our patients.”
The Food and Drug Administration approved the LINQ for use in February, making it the smallest implantable cardiac monitoring device available on the market, according to its Minneapolis-based manufacturer, Medtronic, Inc.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Olathe mayor selects KU Hospital for rare heart surgery
KU Hospital
KANSAS CITY, KAN .— Mike Copeland is a very busy man.
Besides being the mayor of Olathe, Kan., he’s the deputy secretary for the Kansas Department of Commerce.
But his most important job is that of father of three and husband to Maria.
So Copeland was shocked when a routine doctor’s visit turned up a heart problem that he’d had from birth and didn’t know about. “I played high school and college football, and track, and we’re just now finding out about this when I’m 51!” said Copeland.
He was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, meaning the valve had only two tissue flaps to help pump blood through the heart. A normal aortic valve has three flaps. That defect had caused damage to the ascending aorta, as well as the aortic root, so he needed three major repairs in one surgery.
At first, Copeland and his wife were convinced they’d have to go to Cleveland Clinic or Mayo Clinic for this rare and risky procedure. But neither liked the idea of having to leave their family in the care of relatives for the weeks it would take for the surgery and recovery.
After doing a lot of research, and talking with a neighbor who’s a physician, Copeland checked out The University of Kansas Hospital.
“I looked at outcomes, mortality rates, hospital infection rates, things that really matter to me, and I found out that The University of Kansas Hospital’s outcomes are identical to Mayo’s…among the best in the country,” said Copeland. “So why go to Mayo? You’re not getting any better care. You’re getting the same quality care here and don’t have to disrupt the family.”
The Copelands met with Dr. Greg Muehlebach, a heart surgeon at The University of Kansas Hospital. He assured them that he could take care of the problem. “It’s not something that’s common in the general population, but for our program, this is a common operation,” said Muehlebach.
Dr. Muehlebach told the Copelands that the procedure could take from five to 10 hours, depending on what the aorta looked like when they actually examined it in the operating room. Fortunately, the procedure only took five hours, and that lessened the recovery time considerably.
Copeland went home in five days and with rehab, was able to do light work from his home office in two weeks. Just four weeks after the surgery, he was back at both jobs.
“I have never met a doctor like Dr. Muehlebach,” said Maria Copeland. “He took his time with us and we never felt rushed. He helped turn our panic into confidence.”
“He’s our Superman!” said Mike Copeland. “I think we underappreciate the incredible resource we have at The University of Kansas Hospital.”
KANSAS CITY, KAN .— Mike Copeland is a very busy man.
Besides being the mayor of Olathe, Kan., he’s the deputy secretary for the Kansas Department of Commerce.
But his most important job is that of father of three and husband to Maria.
So Copeland was shocked when a routine doctor’s visit turned up a heart problem that he’d had from birth and didn’t know about. “I played high school and college football, and track, and we’re just now finding out about this when I’m 51!” said Copeland.
He was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, meaning the valve had only two tissue flaps to help pump blood through the heart. A normal aortic valve has three flaps. That defect had caused damage to the ascending aorta, as well as the aortic root, so he needed three major repairs in one surgery.
At first, Copeland and his wife were convinced they’d have to go to Cleveland Clinic or Mayo Clinic for this rare and risky procedure. But neither liked the idea of having to leave their family in the care of relatives for the weeks it would take for the surgery and recovery.
After doing a lot of research, and talking with a neighbor who’s a physician, Copeland checked out The University of Kansas Hospital.
“I looked at outcomes, mortality rates, hospital infection rates, things that really matter to me, and I found out that The University of Kansas Hospital’s outcomes are identical to Mayo’s…among the best in the country,” said Copeland. “So why go to Mayo? You’re not getting any better care. You’re getting the same quality care here and don’t have to disrupt the family.”
The Copelands met with Dr. Greg Muehlebach, a heart surgeon at The University of Kansas Hospital. He assured them that he could take care of the problem. “It’s not something that’s common in the general population, but for our program, this is a common operation,” said Muehlebach.
Dr. Muehlebach told the Copelands that the procedure could take from five to 10 hours, depending on what the aorta looked like when they actually examined it in the operating room. Fortunately, the procedure only took five hours, and that lessened the recovery time considerably.
Copeland went home in five days and with rehab, was able to do light work from his home office in two weeks. Just four weeks after the surgery, he was back at both jobs.
“I have never met a doctor like Dr. Muehlebach,” said Maria Copeland. “He took his time with us and we never felt rushed. He helped turn our panic into confidence.”
“He’s our Superman!” said Mike Copeland. “I think we underappreciate the incredible resource we have at The University of Kansas Hospital.”
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Study conducted at KU Hospital suggests nonsurgical fix could replace open-heart surgery
KU Hospital
KANSAS CITY, KAN.— Results from a groundbreaking study performed at The University of Kansas Hospital give a big boost to fixing a bad aortic valve, the heart's main gate, without open-heart surgery.
The results were revealed at the American College of Cardiology’s 2014 Scientific Sessions in Washington, D.C., and are being published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The University of Kansas Hospital is one of only 45 national sites, and the only local site, participating in this landmark study which showed more patients were alive at one year if they received a new minimally-invasive heart device called the Core Valve, compared to patients who had traditional open-heart surgery.
The study shows 19 percent of the surgery patients and only 14 percent of those given a Core Valve had died, a statistically significant finding.
Several hundred thousand Americans have a bad aortic valve, which can stiffen and narrow with age, keeping blood from passing through as it should. Until now, the only solution was a major operation to open the chest, cut out the bad valve and sew in a new one.
The Core Valve system is inserted through an artery in the leg and then guided through the arteries into the heart at the site of the original aortic valve. Once in place the Core Valve system expands into place of the original valve and takes over its function.
“It’s absolutely a game-changer,” said Trip Zorn, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon at The University of Kansas Hospital. “This technology has offered us an option for those who had no surgical option, that medicine was their only therapy.”
Zorn said older patients, or patients at high or extreme risk for surgery can now get this treatment, which also leads to significant improvements in their quality of life, according to the study.
KANSAS CITY, KAN.— Results from a groundbreaking study performed at The University of Kansas Hospital give a big boost to fixing a bad aortic valve, the heart's main gate, without open-heart surgery.
The results were revealed at the American College of Cardiology’s 2014 Scientific Sessions in Washington, D.C., and are being published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The University of Kansas Hospital is one of only 45 national sites, and the only local site, participating in this landmark study which showed more patients were alive at one year if they received a new minimally-invasive heart device called the Core Valve, compared to patients who had traditional open-heart surgery.
The study shows 19 percent of the surgery patients and only 14 percent of those given a Core Valve had died, a statistically significant finding.
Several hundred thousand Americans have a bad aortic valve, which can stiffen and narrow with age, keeping blood from passing through as it should. Until now, the only solution was a major operation to open the chest, cut out the bad valve and sew in a new one.
The Core Valve system is inserted through an artery in the leg and then guided through the arteries into the heart at the site of the original aortic valve. Once in place the Core Valve system expands into place of the original valve and takes over its function.
“It’s absolutely a game-changer,” said Trip Zorn, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon at The University of Kansas Hospital. “This technology has offered us an option for those who had no surgical option, that medicine was their only therapy.”
Zorn said older patients, or patients at high or extreme risk for surgery can now get this treatment, which also leads to significant improvements in their quality of life, according to the study.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Trent Green, Priest Holmes, Dante Hall, Dick Vermeil highlight 2014 Chiefs Fantasy Camp Lineup
University of Kansas Hospital
KANSAS CITY, Kan.— Former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green never liked being on the receiving end of a blitz, but May 15 and 16, at Arrowhead Stadium, he and other former pro players will show you how it’s done.
Green is one of several celebrity coaches and a co-chair of the inaugural Chiefs Fantasy Camp to benefit The Center for Concussion Management at The University of Kansas Hospital.
“If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be a Chief, get ready in the locker room and run down the tunnel at Arrowhead, now is your chance to find out” Green said. “Chiefs Fantasy Camp participants will break down game film and compete in a skills competition that includes quarterback accuracy, route running, field goal kicking and more, and even get a chance to play ‘seven on seven’ at Arrowhead for bragging rights.”
Trent won’t be alone. He’ll be joined by other Chiefs greats like running back Priest Holmes, “The Human Joystick” Dante Hall, Pro Football Hall of Fame kicker Jan Stenerud, “The Nigerian Nightmare” Christian Okoye, former Chiefs linebackers Anthony Davis and Shawn Barber, and even former Chiefs Head Coach Dick Vermeil.
The Hunt Family Foundation is proud to participate in this inaugural Chiefs Fantasy Camp limited to the first 100 participants. Along with Green, David Gentile, president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC), is a co-chair.
Blue KC will provide free health screenings to Fantasy Camp participants prior to the camp.
“A ticket to Chiefs Fantasy Camp will be a once in a lifetime experience for fans, who in turn will be helping to fund community concussion awareness and prevention," Bob Page, president and chief executive officer of The University of Kansas Hospital said. "With the proceeds from Chiefs Fantasy Camp, we will be able to educate even more parents, coaches and players of all athletic ability to help them stay in the game safely, whatever their sport or activity.”
Concussions are common injuries. Up to 3.8 million sports-related concussions occur in the U.S. annually. High school athletes suffer up to 300,000 concussions per year … double the concussion rate of a decade ago.
“Whether a concussion occurs on the playing field or the playground, the injury requires watchful care and treatment to prevent permanent damage or disability,” Michael Moncure, MD, medical director of The Center for Concussion Management said.
Tickets to Chiefs Fantasy Camp cost $2,000 each. $1,000 is tax deductible. To register, go to http://www.kcchiefs.com/fantasycamp.html.
KANSAS CITY, Kan.— Former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green never liked being on the receiving end of a blitz, but May 15 and 16, at Arrowhead Stadium, he and other former pro players will show you how it’s done.
Green is one of several celebrity coaches and a co-chair of the inaugural Chiefs Fantasy Camp to benefit The Center for Concussion Management at The University of Kansas Hospital.
“If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be a Chief, get ready in the locker room and run down the tunnel at Arrowhead, now is your chance to find out” Green said. “Chiefs Fantasy Camp participants will break down game film and compete in a skills competition that includes quarterback accuracy, route running, field goal kicking and more, and even get a chance to play ‘seven on seven’ at Arrowhead for bragging rights.”
Trent won’t be alone. He’ll be joined by other Chiefs greats like running back Priest Holmes, “The Human Joystick” Dante Hall, Pro Football Hall of Fame kicker Jan Stenerud, “The Nigerian Nightmare” Christian Okoye, former Chiefs linebackers Anthony Davis and Shawn Barber, and even former Chiefs Head Coach Dick Vermeil.
The Hunt Family Foundation is proud to participate in this inaugural Chiefs Fantasy Camp limited to the first 100 participants. Along with Green, David Gentile, president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC), is a co-chair.
Blue KC will provide free health screenings to Fantasy Camp participants prior to the camp.
“A ticket to Chiefs Fantasy Camp will be a once in a lifetime experience for fans, who in turn will be helping to fund community concussion awareness and prevention," Bob Page, president and chief executive officer of The University of Kansas Hospital said. "With the proceeds from Chiefs Fantasy Camp, we will be able to educate even more parents, coaches and players of all athletic ability to help them stay in the game safely, whatever their sport or activity.”
Concussions are common injuries. Up to 3.8 million sports-related concussions occur in the U.S. annually. High school athletes suffer up to 300,000 concussions per year … double the concussion rate of a decade ago.
“Whether a concussion occurs on the playing field or the playground, the injury requires watchful care and treatment to prevent permanent damage or disability,” Michael Moncure, MD, medical director of The Center for Concussion Management said.
Tickets to Chiefs Fantasy Camp cost $2,000 each. $1,000 is tax deductible. To register, go to http://www.kcchiefs.com/fantasycamp.html.
Monday, February 17, 2014
University of Kansas Hospital announces individual, corporate gifts for new hospital building
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The University of Kansas Hospital plans to build a new 92-bed hospital building on the Kansas City, Kansas campus. The plan has already attracted major philanthropic support.
Philanthropists and civic leaders Deanna and Greg Graves have made a personal pledge of $1 million dollars for the new building. Greg Graves is chairman and CEO of Burns & McDonnell and serves as vice chair of The University of Kansas Hospital Authority Board.
The Burns & McDonnell Foundation, which is funded by the employee-owners of the company, has made its biggest contribution in its history, pledging $2.5 million for the building.
“We have watched The University of Kansas Hospital grow into the largest and fastest growing hospital in the metro area, as patients seek out the academic medical center difference. The hospital attracts more than a third of its patients from outside the Kansas City area, including patients from across the country. As the demand for its services grows, the hospital needs to build more beds to serve the needs of its patients,” said Deanna Graves.
“This community must embrace its academic medical center and help it provide advanced medicine for patients,” said Greg Graves. “Deanna and I are thrilled to get things started but we will need many other community leaders and organizations to step up to make this happen.”
The University of Kansas Hospital has a strong case for expansion.
The University of Kansas Hospital has seen patient volume grow 30 percent in the last five years. Its fastest growing services – neurosciences and surgical oncology, which include many Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) procedures – have grown nearly 40 percent over that period. Those specialty areas will move into the new building, “Cambridge North”, which will be located on the northeast corner of 39th and Cambridge Street.
Cambridge North will staff approximately 100 new physicians and provide 600 new patient care jobs in highly specialized surgical and support areas. The facility, when fully built out, will feature 92 patient care beds, (including 28 intensive care beds), 12 operating rooms, imaging, lab and pharmacy.
No construction timetable has been announced.
“The construction schedule will depend on philanthropy,” said Bob Page, president and chief executive officer of The University of Kansas Hospital. “With our growth in patient volume across the board, we would like to begin construction very soon. But, the changing economics of medicine mean we have to rely more on the philanthropy of our community than ever before.”
The hospital receives no state or local tax appropriations since it became an independent state authority in 1998.
Page also had praise for Deanna and Greg Graves and for the Burns & McDonnell Foundation.
“Deanna and Greg Graves are tremendous leaders in our area. They see community needs and dedicate themselves to solving them,” said Page.
“If there is any company that knows what it takes to be a national leader, it’s Burns & McDonnell. The employee-owners who support its foundation know it takes significant investment to become the best and stay the best,” added Page.
The University of Kansas Hospital is a partner in philanthropy with KU Endowment Association These gifts will contribute to Far Above: The Campaign for Kansas, benefiting the University of Kansas and The University of Kansas Hospital.
Philanthropists and civic leaders Deanna and Greg Graves have made a personal pledge of $1 million dollars for the new building. Greg Graves is chairman and CEO of Burns & McDonnell and serves as vice chair of The University of Kansas Hospital Authority Board.
The Burns & McDonnell Foundation, which is funded by the employee-owners of the company, has made its biggest contribution in its history, pledging $2.5 million for the building.
“We have watched The University of Kansas Hospital grow into the largest and fastest growing hospital in the metro area, as patients seek out the academic medical center difference. The hospital attracts more than a third of its patients from outside the Kansas City area, including patients from across the country. As the demand for its services grows, the hospital needs to build more beds to serve the needs of its patients,” said Deanna Graves.
“This community must embrace its academic medical center and help it provide advanced medicine for patients,” said Greg Graves. “Deanna and I are thrilled to get things started but we will need many other community leaders and organizations to step up to make this happen.”
The University of Kansas Hospital has a strong case for expansion.
The University of Kansas Hospital has seen patient volume grow 30 percent in the last five years. Its fastest growing services – neurosciences and surgical oncology, which include many Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) procedures – have grown nearly 40 percent over that period. Those specialty areas will move into the new building, “Cambridge North”, which will be located on the northeast corner of 39th and Cambridge Street.
Cambridge North will staff approximately 100 new physicians and provide 600 new patient care jobs in highly specialized surgical and support areas. The facility, when fully built out, will feature 92 patient care beds, (including 28 intensive care beds), 12 operating rooms, imaging, lab and pharmacy.
No construction timetable has been announced.
“The construction schedule will depend on philanthropy,” said Bob Page, president and chief executive officer of The University of Kansas Hospital. “With our growth in patient volume across the board, we would like to begin construction very soon. But, the changing economics of medicine mean we have to rely more on the philanthropy of our community than ever before.”
The hospital receives no state or local tax appropriations since it became an independent state authority in 1998.
Page also had praise for Deanna and Greg Graves and for the Burns & McDonnell Foundation.
“Deanna and Greg Graves are tremendous leaders in our area. They see community needs and dedicate themselves to solving them,” said Page.
“If there is any company that knows what it takes to be a national leader, it’s Burns & McDonnell. The employee-owners who support its foundation know it takes significant investment to become the best and stay the best,” added Page.
The University of Kansas Hospital is a partner in philanthropy with KU Endowment Association These gifts will contribute to Far Above: The Campaign for Kansas, benefiting the University of Kansas and The University of Kansas Hospital.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
New heart stent being tested at KU Hospital
KANSAS CITY, Kan.— Cardiologists at The University of Kansas Hospital have embarked on a clinical trial to see if a coronary stent that slowly dissolves into a vessel can effectively protect the heart and enhance the free flow of blood.
Conventional stents are tiny, metallic, mesh-like scaffolds that prop open vessels gummed up by plaque, dead cells and clotted blood that can lead to a heart attack or a stroke. More than half a million Americans receive one every year.
The new device under study is made of a disappearing, biodegradable polymer that leaves behind no traces of its existence other than an opened and possibly more pliable vessel.
“Unlike metallic stents that stay within the vessels permanently, this scaffold completely dissolves within about two years after implantation,” said Mark Wiley, MD, an interventional cardiologist at The University of Kansas Hospital. “This new device’s ability to vanish over time is as close as science comes to magic.”
Being free of a permanent implant allows a vessel the possibility to regain some of its natural flexibility. At the same time, the medication impregnated in the absorbable stent helps prevent re-clogging.
Wiley said if the Food and Drug Administration approves the new device, patients will have an option that frees them from having a lifelong implant. He predicts the stent will transform the way heart attacks and severe coronary blockages will be treated within the next few years. The absorbable stent has already been approved for use in Europe.
The University of Kansas Hospital is one of about 100 heart centers in the country, and the only one in the Kansas City area, participating in the study.
Conventional stents are tiny, metallic, mesh-like scaffolds that prop open vessels gummed up by plaque, dead cells and clotted blood that can lead to a heart attack or a stroke. More than half a million Americans receive one every year.
The new device under study is made of a disappearing, biodegradable polymer that leaves behind no traces of its existence other than an opened and possibly more pliable vessel.
“Unlike metallic stents that stay within the vessels permanently, this scaffold completely dissolves within about two years after implantation,” said Mark Wiley, MD, an interventional cardiologist at The University of Kansas Hospital. “This new device’s ability to vanish over time is as close as science comes to magic.”
Being free of a permanent implant allows a vessel the possibility to regain some of its natural flexibility. At the same time, the medication impregnated in the absorbable stent helps prevent re-clogging.
Wiley said if the Food and Drug Administration approves the new device, patients will have an option that frees them from having a lifelong implant. He predicts the stent will transform the way heart attacks and severe coronary blockages will be treated within the next few years. The absorbable stent has already been approved for use in Europe.
The University of Kansas Hospital is one of about 100 heart centers in the country, and the only one in the Kansas City area, participating in the study.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
KU Hospital clinics to reopen Wednesday, Feb. 5
KU Hospital
KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Thanks to the efforts of staff to take care of patients during today’s storm, the hospital performed 151 surgeries and procedures today system wide. The operations varied from heart and cancer to orthopedic.
The University of Kansas Cancer Center treated more than 200 patients at the main facility in Westwood and through community cancer centers across the metro. Treatments included chemotherapy and radiation oncology.
There were 510 patients in the hospital today. Hospital staff arranged for transportation for 160 key personnel to serve those patients. A transportation center was created, dispatching 4-wheel drive vehicles to bring staff to work. Plus, cots were still available for staff who would stay the night at the hospital.
The hospital also remained in service as the area’s only nationally verified Level I Trauma Center with its heated landing pads on top of the hospital. The hospital treated six patients because of falls in the slippery conditions and patients from three motor vehicle accidents.
Clinics will reopen on Wednesday, February 5th, although some will be delayed. The University of Kansas Physician Clinics will open at 10:00 am. All other clinics will open for regular hours. However, the heart clinic in St. Joseph will be closed, as will the surgical center at KU MedWest in Shawnee.
For complete details on openings, closings and hours, please go to the website, kumed.com/weather and kucancercenter.org/weather.
KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Thanks to the efforts of staff to take care of patients during today’s storm, the hospital performed 151 surgeries and procedures today system wide. The operations varied from heart and cancer to orthopedic.
The University of Kansas Cancer Center treated more than 200 patients at the main facility in Westwood and through community cancer centers across the metro. Treatments included chemotherapy and radiation oncology.
There were 510 patients in the hospital today. Hospital staff arranged for transportation for 160 key personnel to serve those patients. A transportation center was created, dispatching 4-wheel drive vehicles to bring staff to work. Plus, cots were still available for staff who would stay the night at the hospital.
The hospital also remained in service as the area’s only nationally verified Level I Trauma Center with its heated landing pads on top of the hospital. The hospital treated six patients because of falls in the slippery conditions and patients from three motor vehicle accidents.
Clinics will reopen on Wednesday, February 5th, although some will be delayed. The University of Kansas Physician Clinics will open at 10:00 am. All other clinics will open for regular hours. However, the heart clinic in St. Joseph will be closed, as will the surgical center at KU MedWest in Shawnee.
For complete details on openings, closings and hours, please go to the website, kumed.com/weather and kucancercenter.org/weather.
Monday, February 3, 2014
KU Hospital announces closings due to incoming storm
KU Hospital
KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- The University of Kansas Hospital has announced all its clinics and clinics of The University of Kansas Physicians will be closed tomorrow to protect the safety of patients and staff in anticipation of Tuesday’s winter storm.
This means all scheduled clinic visits are canceled.
However, the hospital says all surgeries, outpatient procedures and cancer treatments will continue as scheduled.
The University of Kansas Medical Center announced earlier today that its classes and non-essential activities were also closed for Tuesday.
Meanwhile, preparations are being made for ongoing operations at the hospital during the storm, according to Lee Norman, MD, chief medical officer of The University of Kansas Hospital.
KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- The University of Kansas Hospital has announced all its clinics and clinics of The University of Kansas Physicians will be closed tomorrow to protect the safety of patients and staff in anticipation of Tuesday’s winter storm.
This means all scheduled clinic visits are canceled.
However, the hospital says all surgeries, outpatient procedures and cancer treatments will continue as scheduled.
The University of Kansas Medical Center announced earlier today that its classes and non-essential activities were also closed for Tuesday.
Meanwhile, preparations are being made for ongoing operations at the hospital during the storm, according to Lee Norman, MD, chief medical officer of The University of Kansas Hospital.
Friday, January 31, 2014
VIDEO: Royals visit University of Kansas Hospital
KU Hospital
KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Kansas City Royals’ designated hitter Billy Butler, his wife Katie, pitcher Aaron Crow and team mascot Sluggerrr visited children at The University of Kansas Hospital today.
The group met with patients on the pediatric unit, bringing souvenirs, signing autographs and posing for pictures.
The Royals also toured the hospital’s Neonatal Medical Home, a specialized center designed for the youngest patients and their families.
The Neonatal Medical Home will benefit from the Royals Charities Diamond of Dreams event, taking place on Thursday, June 26.
KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Kansas City Royals’ designated hitter Billy Butler, his wife Katie, pitcher Aaron Crow and team mascot Sluggerrr visited children at The University of Kansas Hospital today.
The group met with patients on the pediatric unit, bringing souvenirs, signing autographs and posing for pictures.
The Royals also toured the hospital’s Neonatal Medical Home, a specialized center designed for the youngest patients and their families.
The Neonatal Medical Home will benefit from the Royals Charities Diamond of Dreams event, taking place on Thursday, June 26.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Pink fountains to again symbolize Kansas City's fight against breast cancer
KU Hospital
KANSAS CIY, Kan. – Pink waters are streaming through two fountains in the metropolitan area for the tenth straight year to commemorate October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The University of Kansas Cancer Center is sponsoring the event.
The J.C. Nichols Fountain just east of The Plaza was the first this year to undergo the “pinking” ceremony after 11 a.m. The J.C. Nichols Fountain has been part of the pinking ceremony since the event began.
Then, at 4 p.m., the Fountain at Joe D. Dennis Park, 50th & Rainbow Blvd., got the pinking treatment. Westwood is the home of the Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Care Pavilion, the largest cancer clinic in the area and the primary outpatient cancer center of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute designated center.
“The goal of the pink fountains program is to raise awareness that breast cancer can be fought with early screenings and support for research,” said Terry Tsue, MD, physician in chief of The University of Kansas Cancer Center.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. More than 200,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year – one every three minutes.
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