2000s
In 2000, Clay County Medical Center launched its website: www.ccmcks.org on July 1st.
In 2005, the Radiology department saw significant changes with the installation of a Proteus XR/Radiographic system. Its 80 Kilowatt high frequency generator ensured high quality, rapid exposures. In partnership with United Radiology of Salina, nearly $100,000 worth of digital equipment was added to allow X-rays, Cat Scans and other exams to be transmitted electronically. This technology provided radiologists with the ability to read images at any time. Laboratory services were also improved with the purchase of a new Dade Behring Chemistry analyzer. An extensive menu of tests could now be done at the hospital rather than using out of town reference labs.
In 2006, the first Teddy Bear Clinics were held. This program was designed to put children at ease when they visit the hospital and won recognition as a Community Benefit winner from the Kansas Hospital Association. Generous charitable gifts were the catalysts for much of the 2007 expansion project. The Education Center was provided by The Gustav H. and Adelia C. Meyer Trust and United Bank & Trust. Mark A. Chapman gave a large donation towards the Wellness Center named in his honor. The theme, Building For a Healthy Future, was supported by the community and resulted in Foundation contributions of over a million dollars. Besides adding more space for necessary services, private patient rooms replaced semi-private ones complete with new guest chairs and recliners. A Telemetry Monitoring System installed in Cardiac Rehab allowed observation of patients walking in the adjoining wellness center. Finishing the year, Clay County Hospital Foundation was able to contribute $50,000 to remodel space in the Radiology department to accommodate a new, 16-slice CT scanner with an approximate value of $420,000. Mobile Clinical Services Inc. (MCSI) decided to place two Gamma cameras for nuclear medicine in permanent locations and CCMC was chosen as one of the sites. To close out 2007, the hospital entered an on-line competition to win a new MRI. The entry received tremendous support locally and the story was carried by newspapers, magazines, radio and television. The two minute video, Granny Gets an MRI, was produced by hospital staff. Out of 101 entries, Clay County Medical Center finished third in the national competition.
In 2008, mobile X-ray unit available for hard to move patients. A blood bank refrigerator and new hood were added to the Laboratory, which facilitated in-house testing for A & B influenza and other bacterial/viral infections. At a cost of about $180,000, a new medicine dispensing cabinet (MDG) made allocation of patient medicine safer. Better tracking methods were implemented by using personalized wristband bar-codes.
In 2009, the hospital was able to purchase a Siemens MAGNETOM Essenza MRI. This in-house system made it possible to expand Radiology services from three days a week to seven and eliminated the inconveniences related to scheduling and inclement weather. High resolution, clinical images may be remotely accessed by physicians and consultants from virtually anywhere. The total project approached 1.2 million with $300,000 needed for remodeling the room, lined in copper. The Clay County Hospital Foundation donated $100,000 to the project. In 2009, expectant mothers benefited from the installation of an OB Fetal Monitoring System. This state of the art, remote monitoring equipment allowed physicians to monitor the condition of the baby and mothers who were in labor from their office or while at home. It also allowed mothers to walk and move about freely while being monitored. Memorials to the Foundation honoring Ellen B. Rook inspired the decision to place original artwork by J.R. Hamil and Sue Nielsen-Atchison in the hospital.
“My mother would be pleased with the choices...she loved the changing of the seasons.” - Preston Rook
Since then, other artwork has been chosen to make the facility more aesthetically pleasing for patients and visitors alike.