December 21, 2023

OUR MISSION:

To Enrich the Health and Lives

of the People We Serve

As Christmas draws near, I want to thank each and every one of you for your hard work and commitment to CHCS. You are the reason our patients and residents choose to use our services and trust us to provide compassionate care. I hope each of you enjoys time with family and friends and you find peace and joy in the New Year!

Todd Willert, CEO


Radiology Staff Recognized for Excellent Care


Radiology staff were recently recognized on patient satisfaction surveys for providing outstanding care. The following comments were written by three patients from out-of-town, who don't doctor at CHCS. Each came to Onaga to have MRIs performed and had great things to say about their first experience with us!
"So grateful this facility is available to us. All staff were helpful and gracious!"
"I was very impressed with this hospital and all workers. Beautiful place and wonderful treatment. Thanks."
"Excellent. I am glad I chose to go to Onaga."
Thanks to the entire radiology staff for providing, welcoming, excellent care!

St. Mary's Manor Nurse Lives the CHCS Mission


At St. Marys Manor, a residents' daughter has developed a close bond with our charge nurse, Jamie McMullen. Jamie is also quite fond of her mother, Betty Waxler, who is one our residents. The daughter, Pam, bought matching pajamas for them both for Christmas and this image was captured.


Shannon Heim, St. Marys Manor Administrator shared, "Jamie is a great nurse, but she really excels when it comes to working with our residents with dementia."


Thank you, Jamie for the outstanding care and compassion shown to Betty!

Four dietary aides at St. Marys Manor recently obtained their Certified Nurse's Aide certification! Congratulations to Sofia Maradona, Cassi Dern, Faith Thompson and Emma Thompson!


#8 Cultivate Open & Honest Relationships

I Will:

• Respect the time of others

• Respect the opinion of others

• Be transparent

• Avoid gossip

• Ask for help when I need it


I Will Not:

• Spread gossip, rumors, or negativity

• Shame and embarrass others

• Manipulate and undermine

• Blame others

• Say one thing and do another


Workplace Violence Survey


We need your help! We cannot address safety concerns if we are not aware of them. It only takes 2-3 minutes to complete this survey.

To make it more convenient for you, you can also scan the QR code below to complete the survey!


Complete the Survey

Upcoming Birthdays

Josie Harrison-St. Marys Manor: 12/22

Eve Jones-Eastridge:  12/24

Ellen Haverkamp- Onaga:12/24

Jill Greene- Onaga: 12/24

Nancy Zidek- Holton: 12/24

Alicia VanDonge -Onaga: 12/25

Maribelle Collado- Onaga 12/25

Sarah Todd- Onaga:  12/26

Joyce Conner-Eastridge: 12/26

Lani Bresler- Onaga:12/26

Zoey Murphy-St. Marys Manor: 12/27

Nahtanha Smith-Onaga: 12/28


New Employees

Virginia Melchior: C.N.A Eastridge/ Redbud


This past Monday, five of the Redbud Plaza residents went to Lake Shawnee to see the Christmas Lights.  They also went out to eat dinner in Topeka.


A little elf said there are no pictures because...

what happens in Topeka stays in Topeka.

Holiday Week Prize Drawing Winners!



Monday: Waveina De La O -Onaga, Acute Nursing

Tuesday: Corinna Montoya- St. Marys Manor, Cook

Wednesday: Nancy Bosse - Westmoreland, Provider

Thursday: Dr. Kendra Reith - Onaga


Cookie Decorating Fun!

We have some creative cookie decorators!

Photo Backdrop Fun at Eastridge & Onaga

Eastridge staff enjoyed their annual Christmas party this week! This year all were treated to BBQ bison. The buffalo was raised by Cole Child!

Santa Claus is in town!


The Onaga acute nursing staff showed-off their Holiday spirit!

Westy Holiday Week Fun!

Dr. Cahoj and Nancy Bosse displayed their cookie decorating skills!

Dr. Cahoj worked hard to create the best-decorated cookie!

Westy nurses, Catherine Peverley and Sherry Moran showed-off their gingerbread cookies!


CHCS menus:


December 25th-29th: Onaga Breakfast


December 25th-29th: Onaga - Lunch


December 25th-29th: Eastridge



St. Marys menus are available each morning through the Activities chronicle.

Coffee Delights

Special for December 26th-29th



  • 16 oz., $4
  • Hot, Cold







Coffee Shop Menu

Reminder: The Coffee Shop is closing at Noon, Friday, December 22nd.

Coffee Shop Hours for December 26th-28th are 7am to 3pm. The Coffee Shop will close at Noon on Friday, December 29th.

Final funny

Did you miss your Connection?


Important information is relayed every week in the E-Connection. If you miss it in your email, an archive is available on our website. Visit the For Associates page, then click E-Connection Archive.

Send items for the E-Connection or for sharing with our broader social media audience to news@chcsks.org. Please send items by close of business on Tuesdays when possible. Ideas are welcome!

Facebook  Twitter  Linkedin