THE GUADALUPE CLINIC AND KANSAS HEART HOSPITAL TEAM-UP TO HELP THE NEEDY
Posted In: Uncategorized
The Guadalupe Clinic opened in 1985 and provides primary medical care and related support services to those without medical insurance, including those who are ineligible for Medicare, Medicaid and and other assistance. The majority of the clinic's clients can be categorized as “working poor,” holding one or more jobs. An increasing number of clients have been unemployed as a result of the economic downturn, placing further stresses on the already stressed mission and focus of the Catholic Diocese health ministry.
The mission of the Guadalupe Clinic is to provide healthcare for those in need, work for social justice in healthcare, and call upon the entire Church and other people of good will to join in their efforts.
Recently, Douglas J. Milfeld MD, FACS, a retired Wichita cardiothoracic surgeon who serves on the Guadalupe Clinic Foundation Board of Directors, visited with Mr. David Gear, Executive Director, and the two discussed ways the Kansas Heart Hospital (KHH) and the Guadalupe Clinic might work together. Mr. Gear saw a need to have electrocardiograms (EKG’S) performed in designated Guadalupe out-patient clinics over-read by a cardiologist from the three Clinic outpatient offices since the resident cardiologist performing such over-reads was out of the country. Dr. Milfeld coordinated the efforts between the Clinic and KHH to have all Clinic EKG’s and treadmill tests over-read by KHH cardiologists for no professional charge, i.e., “free”.
“Basically, the Guadalupe Clinic had a need,” said Dr. Milfeld and “KHH did a good deed!” As healthcare stewards for Wichita and southern Kansas, Dr. Greg Duick commented, “It is part of our mission to give back to our community and serve the less fortunate.”