News

Mother of Two Trusts BSA’s Pediatric Unit for Her Diabetic Daughters

When Christy Garces’ 10-year-old daughter Sophie experienced pain in her left foot followed by a fever, Christy’s first thought was to head to BSA. As a mother of two daughters with type 1 diabetes, she knew the severity of a seemingly ordinary condition could be amplified.

The Garceses are no strangers to BSA. Their family has seen doctors there for years, and the oldest Garces daughter was even diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in its pediatric unit 15 years ago. Christy knew she could trust the doctors and staff at BSA to figure out what was causing Sophie’s pain and fever.

Women’s History Month: Lisa Touma Shares her Journey in Healthcare

This Women’s History Month, we are spotlighting BSA’s clinical education coordinator and resource educator for nursing services, Lisa Touma, RN, MSN.

Lisa has been with BSA since 2005. She has always had ambitions to enter the healthcare industry, but her path to get there was unique.

Should you consider a heart scan after having COVID-19?

As a result of new information regarding the relationship between the cardiovascular system and COVID-19, there’s been a lot of chatter around the question of should you consider a heart scan after recovering? Answers vary depending on the individual and the severity of their stint with the virus.

Skin Burn Awareness

More than one million burn injuries occur every year in the United States.

“Burns are complex, and at times, are serious injuries which take a knowledgeable provider to assess,” BSA Advanced Wound Care Center Medical Director, Cuatro Holland, DO said. “Numerous complications can occur if left untreated. If there are any concerns, professional help should be sought immediately.”

First-Time Mom Delivers Early at BSA While Suffering from COVID-19

Clara Perez, 23, was 34-weeks pregnant when she began experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms.

"I was having a lot of muscle pain and throwing up,” Perez said. “I wasn't able to keep anything down, not even water. I was also running a fever and had lost my taste and smell.”

Due to the severity of her symptoms and her concern for her unborn child’s safety, Perez went to the BSA Emergency Room. Once at BSA, she was given an IV and staff began monitoring both her and her baby’s vital signs.

Nurse Practitioner Becomes COVID-19 Patient

In early April of 2020, Nurse Practitioner Stan Leffew contracted COVID-19 and was admitted to BSA hospital. Needing to be intubated, Leffew required the care of his former colleagues in the BSA Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

BSA EMS Helping to Test for COVID-19 in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

As more cases of COVID-19 are being confirmed in the Texas Panhandle, the BSA Emergency Medical Services (EMS) department is doing their part to help one of our area’s at-risk populations. BSA EMS has been assigned by the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force to administer COVID-19 tests to residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The BSA EMS team is helping administer the tests in response to an executive order issued by Governor Greg Abbott.

BSA Nationally Recognized with an ‘A’ for Patient Safety by Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

Amarillo, TX, (April 30, 2020) – BSA Health System is the only hospital in the Texas Panhandle to be awarded an ‘A’ for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group’s Spring 2020 Hospital Safety Grade. This is the second consecutive time that BSA has received this national distinction, which recognizes achievements in protecting patients from harm and providing safer healthcare.

Using Technology to Connect with Loved Ones

With government and health officials enforcing social distancing, fighting the coronavirus can be lonely and isolating— but it doesn’t have to be.

How to Avoid Heartburn

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach (esophagus). It can feel like a burning pain in the chest that may worsen when bent over or lying down. Getting heartburn is common and the symptoms can usually be managed on your own, however, there are some instances when heartburn could be more serious.