| CKMC lab moves into new, modern facility |
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Since three big advantages to a state-of-the-art laboratory are improved satisfaction for patients, doctors and employees, the new Central Kansas Medical Center lab is set to hit the trifecta, Administrative Director Frank Lawrence said.
CKMC’s lab recently moved into the new Medical Office Building, which is connected to the northwest side of the hospital. The lab had been housed next door in the Allied Services Building basement.
“A huge benefit is we are so much closer to the main CKMC lobby and our Emergency Room,” Lawrence said. “We are more integrated into the hospital. This is a large part of being able to offer improved services to patients and doctors, and a more efficient workplace for employees.
“Our first priority, of course, is our patients,” Lawrence continued. “We also constantly review physicians’ orders and determine if we are meeting those orders in a timely manner. The updated, more efficient workplace will allow all this to come together for patients and their families.”
The new lab was designed with efficiency and ease of communication in mind, Lawrence said. The modern design allows employees to freely communicate with one another in the 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week facility.
“Our lab is open and airy, with no cubicles,” Lawrence noted. “We can all interact easily. And to top it off, our draw station is now next door instead of in another building.”
The full-service lab has its own microbiology department where pathogens are identified; it also offers cytology for the examination of bodily fluids and histology for the examination of tissues removed during surgeries.
The lab employs 30 people to cover its three shifts. Technologists, technicians, phlebotomists and others collaborate to serve patients, families and doctors.
“This updated, modern facility was absolutely necessary for the community,” Lawrence commented. “Catholic Health Initiatives and CKMC know they have a responsibility to the community to offer the most up-to-date services possible.
“CHI has a long-term view of providing healthcare,” Lawrence added. “They are not thinking in terms of one year, two years, five years. They are looking far down the road to honor the commitment to provide compassionate, professional healthcare.”
The lab will continue to offer its services to St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Larned, the Heartland Cancer Center, Clara Barton Hospital and Ellinwood District Hospital.
Sharon Lind, CKMC president and chief executive officer, noted that the new lab enables the hospital to expand regionally.
“We can now be more proactive in offering lab services to all smaller hospitals and clinics in the region,” Lind said. “Central Kansans can be assured Frank and his team will continue to provide professional and timely lab services in Great Bend and surrounding communities.” |
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