Congratulations to Heidi Schemper, Occupational Therapist, for her nomination for the Health Care Worker of the Year Award!
--- (August 2, 2019) Kansas Hospital Association: Heidi Schemper – A Leader in the PCHS Rehabilitation Department
Heidi Schemper has been with Phillips County Health Services as an Occupational Therapist for 11 years. She is friendly to all, making people feel welcomed and appreciated, and always maintains a positive attitude. She provides great leadership – not only for the hospital but for the entire community.
Working closely with patients on a one-on-one basis, Heidi’s patients enjoy their time with her. They appreciate her high-level of professionalism and approachable, patient-centered care. Heidi's accomplishments at PCHS are many and include the implementation of several programs to benefit patients, increasing their access to service so it's as convenient as possible, while minimizing their travel time and keeping them closer to home. Heidi also invested extensive time and energy into the Orthopedic Shoulder program. She worked closely with several orthopedic surgeons from larger facilities to develop a high-quality, post-operative shoulder rehabilitation program in order to develop and implement procedures ensuring surgical protocols are followed. This program contributed to significant growth within the Occupational Therapy department. She is often the referral choice for surgeons within several counties. Heidi serves as a credentialed clinical instructor, taking fieldwork students from several programs and leading the next generation of occupational therapists. She serves on internal committees and volunteers her time to make PCHS employee appreciation activities a success. She has planned employee picnics to encourage inter-employee relationship growth and comradely.
Heidi is a CarFit Instructor. CarFit is a program offering older adults the opportunity to check how well their personal vehicle "fits" them. It also provides information on community-specific resources that can enhance driver safety and mobility in the community. After receiving her CarFit certification, Heidi trained the entire Rehab Department, then hosted four successful CarFit activities for the community. Heidi has contributed significantly to the community's Summer Lunch program, donated food and time to serve hot meals to community member's children during the summer months; volunteered and co-organized fundraisers for hospital projects and services; established a Toys-for-Tots shopping/donation site in the hospital; served as a Sunday School teacher, organized and hosted a community Vacation Bible School; and volunteered as a basketball coach, soccer coach and with the Boy Scout program. Our community and our organization are better due to her contributions.
Heidi will be recognized, along with other Health Care Worker of the Year nominees, at the KHA Awards Luncheon – 2019 KHA Annual Convention, Thursday, Sept. 5, at the Hyatt Regency Wichita/Century II Convention Center in Wichita.
--Jan Fenwick KHA Senior Program Manager Communications