Newsworthy

We Together: A Communication of Stormont Vail Health (Nov 1, 2022)

November 2, 2022

Dear Community Partners,

Here are today’s updates:

Panda Express Supports SVH’s Children’s Miracle Network
Maynard and Sarah Oliverius to be Honored
There’s No Place Like Healthcare
Current Status at Stormont Vail Health

Panda Express Supports SVH’s Children’s Miracle Network
Stormont Vail Health is proud to be 1 of 170 hospitals associated with the Children’s Miracle Network. This partnership has allowed our neonatal unit and pediatric programs to flourish and improve with the extra support.

Last Thursday, Stormont Vail was able to honor the associates at Panda Express who have graciously supported organizations affiliated with the Children’s Miracle Network. Panda Express has helped raise more than $100,000 for our hospital alone. This money is raised through the dedication of Panda Express employees asking customers if they will round up their totals for CMN each day.

As a sign of gratitude for Panda Express’ significant gifts and pledges of over $260,000, the pediatrics playroom is now named the Panda Cares Center of Hope. This playroom will serve as an area for kids to be kids again and will allow our Child Life team the ability to work with patients, providing positivity and fun.

Thank you Panda Express for your committed support to the safety and health of our community!

Maynard and Sarah Oliverius to be Honored
Maynard and Sarah Oliverius were selected as this year’s recipient of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Topeka Chapter’s Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award. The Stormont Vail Foundation nominated them for this award based on their many years of fundraising leadership support, and in particular for their challenge gift for the Career Counselor position. Maynard served at Stormont Vail many years, retiring as President and CEO. The couple will be recognized at the National Philanthropy Day luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 3, at Topeka Country Club.

There’s No Place Like Healthcare
It’s no secret that healthcare, although rewarding, can be a demanding career field and like other high-stress jobs, some nurses have sought out new adventures, especially during the pandemic. But Stormont Vail Health has been fortunate that some nurses who left for various reasons have now returned back home – and rejoined our team.

Amy Gallagher, MSN, AGACNP-BC, CCRN, realized in high school she wanted to become a nurse. While working on her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate, Amy was able to get firsthand experience in health care and had opportunities to find out exactly what she was called to become.

“I recognized that caring and nurturing those in need came naturally to me and in return gave me a great sense of purpose,” said Amy.

After earning her nursing degree, Amy joined Stormont Vail as a registered nurse (RN) on the Rapid Response team for eight years. During this time, she was also able to continue her education and earn her Nurse Practitioner degree. Amy then left for a clinic position closer to home, but after eight months realized she missed Stormont Vail and working in a hospital. Fortunately, she decided to return to the Stormont family and we couldn’t be more grateful.

Sharing stories like Amy’s is important – it boosts our team and shows others that working in healthcare is a rewarding career. Amy’s story recently was shared on the stormontvail.org blog, and also in promotional materials letting our region know that there is no place like healthcare – and especially Stormont Vail.

Current Status at Stormont Vail Health
The weekly COVID-19 scorecard is posted on the Stormont Vail website. Here are highlights are from the scorecard:

- 19 inpatients are COVID-19 positive. That is an increase from 8 last week.
- 98% of recent COVID-19 admissions are unvaccinated or had last dose/booster more than 6 months ago.
- COVID-19 inpatient discharges (previous week): 26. Deaths: 0.
- 5 COVID-19 positive patients in the outpatient Enhanced Primary Care program.
- 13.6% of people tested for COVID-19 at Stormont Vail facilities the past seven days were positive. That percentage has been a steady increase over the past several weeks.
- 36 team members and 3 providers on contact leave for COVID-19. The total of 39 people on contact leave this week compares to 22 and 13 in previous weeks.
- 106,503 vaccinations (included boosters) administered.