Norton County Hospital and Clinics

08/21/2025

Specialist Spotlight: Dr. Sinha Ray, MD – Nephrology
Concerned about your kidney health or managing conditions such as chronic kidney disease, kidney stones, or high blood pressure impacting your kidneys? Ask your provider about a referral to see Dr. Sinha Ray, MD, a board-certified nephrologist who offers expert care through our Specialty Clinic.
Dr. Ray earned his medical degree from the University of Calcutta and completed his residency at Interfaith Medical Center. He then specialized further by completing a Nephrology fellowship at Kansas University Medical Center. He is board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Nephrology.
Dr. Ray’s expertise includes treating a wide range of kidney conditions such as Acute Renal Failure, Chronic Kidney Disease, Polycystic Kidney Disease, Kidney Stones, Kidney Transplantation, and Glomerulonephritis. Patients appreciate his knowledgeable, thorough, and compassionate approach to care.
📞 To schedule an appointment or learn more, contact our Specialty Clinic at (785) 874-2257.
📰 Follow our page and watch The Norton Telegram for clinic schedule updates.
At Norton County Hospital and Clinics, your health is our highest priority. You can count on Dr. Ray and our team to deliver expert, compassionate renal care right here in your community.

08/20/2025

Thanks to a generous donation to Norton County Hospital - and a considerable amount of elbow grease from our amazing engineering staff - we were able to update our whirlpool room! This renovation gives our inpatients a more luxurious and relaxing environment that supports healing and recovery, while ensuring they continue to receive the highest quality of care. We are grateful for the generosity and commitment of our community, and are happy to be able to deliver these improvements for those we serve.

08/19/2025

08/18/2025

Wishing you all a safe, happy & healthy school year! 📚✏️📖🖇️

08/15/2025

International Relaxation Day is the perfect opportunity to unwind and de-stress! Celebrated on August 15th each year, it's a day dedicated to finding peace and relaxation in our busy lives. Whether it's through meditation, taking a leisurely walk, or enjoying a favorite hobby, make time for yourself and embrace the calm. Use this day to prioritize your mental and physical well-being, and encourage others to do the same. Remember, relaxation is key to a balanced life and overall wellness! 🌿🧘‍♂️✨

08/14/2025

Keeping up with your child’s vaccine schedule is one of the best ways to help them grow up healthy and strong. Here's why timing really matters:
1. Right Time, Right Dose ⏰
Just like babyproofing your home before your little one starts crawling, the CDC’s vaccine schedule is designed to protect kids at just the right ages. Delaying or spreading out vaccines doesn’t add any benefit—it actually leaves them more vulnerable.

2. Shield Against Serious Illness 🛡️
Diseases like whooping cough can be dangerous, especially for infants. Vaccines act like a health helmet, guarding your child from complications when they’re most at risk.

3. Protection Comes First 🚗
You buckle your baby before driving—vaccines work the same way. They protect before your child is exposed to disease, not after. Timing is everything.

4. Full Coverage = Full Protection ✅
Some vaccines need more than one dose to build strong immunity. Skipping or delaying them is like leaving outlets uncovered—your child isn’t fully protected.

5. Beyond Breastfeeding 🤱
While maternal antibodies and breastfeeding help, they don’t last forever. Vaccines fill in the gaps and build lasting immunity as your child grows.

6. Health for All 🌎
Vaccinating on time doesn’t just protect your child—it shields newborns, older adults, and others who can’t be vaccinated. It’s a team effort for community health.

👉 Stick with the CDC’s immunization schedule to give your child the strongest, safest start—and help keep everyone around them healthy too!

Have questions for your provider? Call Norton Medical Clinic at 785-877-3305
Need to schedule a vaccine appointment? Call the Norton County Health Department and Home Health at 785-877-5745

08/13/2025

🎙️ Listen In!
Check out Norton County Hospital’s very own Eva Harrington, EVS Manager, as she joins Natalie on KQNK to highlight the benefits of our new Viking Pure Solutions, LLC cleaning system, provided through our partnership with Cintas Corporation.

This innovative, eco-friendly system uses only water, salt, and electricity to create powerful cleaning and disinfecting solutions - with zero health hazards. It’s safer for patients, staff, and the environment, and we’re proud to be the first critical access hospital in Kansas to make the switch.

08/13/2025

Yesterday, Norton County Hospital and Clinic had the honor of welcoming Senator Jerry Moran to our facility. Together, we discussed the future of Critical Access Hospitals and ensuring quality healthcare remains accessible for Kansans. The Norton Chamber of Commerce also joined us, sharing updates on county projects and strides toward improving child care access for our community. A huge thank-you to Senator Moran for showing such strong support for our rural communities and services!

08/13/2025

Don't let healthcare costs weigh you down. Take control of your expenses and your credit with Norton County Hospital's Epic River Loan solutions.
Applying is quick and easy, taking less than 30 minutes, and the best part? Everyone is approved, regardless of credit!
Here's what you can expect:
📝 Simple Application: Our application process is straightforward and hassle-free.
💸 Manageable Payments: Break your healthcare bill into automatic monthly payments to make it more manageable for your budget.
💳 Build Your Credit: By making on-time payments, you can improve your credit score while paying off your medical expenses.
🚫 No Penalties: Enjoy the flexibility of upfront or pre-payment without any penalties.
📞 Personal Assistance: Call Kelsee today at (785)874-2220 to learn more or to get started!

08/12/2025

Specialist Spotlight: Tara Gillespie, APRN-C – Dermatology

Dealing with persistent skin issues, suspicious moles, or cosmetic concerns? Ask your provider about a referral to see Tara Gillespie, APRN-C, a highly qualified nurse practitioner specializing in dermatology who visits Norton County Hospital monthly through our Specialty Clinic.

Tara holds certifications from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the Dermatology Nurses Association (DNA). She earned her Master’s degree in Science from The University of Kansas Medical Center, equipping her with extensive knowledge and skills to provide thorough and compassionate dermatological care tailored to each patient’s needs.

Whether it’s general skin health or cosmetic dermatology, Tara provides compassionate, comprehensive care designed to meet your unique needs, right here in our community.

📞 To schedule an appointment or learn more, call Tara’s office directly at (785) 628-3231.
📰 Stay informed about clinic dates by following our page and watching for updates in The Norton Telegram.

At Norton County Hospital and Clinics, your skin health matters. Trust Tara to help you look and feel your best, with care that’s close to heart and close to home.

08/11/2025

The first day of school is right around the corner!!!
Here are 5 Must-Know Tips for Back-to-School Safety!
(+ a couple extra for good measure)

1. Stranger Danger & Traveling Smart:
Teach kids to avoid strangers and know who’s allowed to pick them up. Keep it simple and clear!
- Walkers: Stick to sidewalks, look both ways, and stay alert.
- Bike Riders: Follow traffic rules, wear helmets, and stay visible.
- Bus Riders: Stand clear of the curb, cross in front of the bus, and use hand signals.
- Drivers: Obey speed limits, avoid distractions, and always stop for buses.

2. Wash Up:
Emphasize frequent hand washing to keep germs at bay. It’s a simple habit with big health benefits!

3. Emergency Plan:
Have a family emergency plan. Make sure kids know where to go and what to do if something goes wrong. Equip your child with a safety card containing essential contact info and medical details. Better safe than sorry!

4. Bullying Talk:
Promote kindness and inclusivity. Teach your child that school is a place to learn and support each other. Open up about bullying and other social issues. Equip your kids with the confidence to stand strong and seek help.

5. Healthy Habits:
- Eat Right & Move More: A healthy diet and regular exercise boost learning and well-being.
- Get Vaccinated: Ensure immunizations are up to date to stay healthy throughout the year.

Bonus Tips:
- Backpacks: Use both straps and keep it light. Avoid overstuffing!
- Playgrounds: Leave loose items at home and stay aware of potential hazards.
- Heads Up on Concussions: Learn the signs, assess the situation, and seek medical advice if a head injury occurs. Most student athletes have received a baseline SWAY test to help providers more accurately assess concussion symptoms and recovery.

Prepare, practice, and communicate to make this school year safe and successful!

08/08/2025

Our next Blood Drive is just days away!!
Do Good. Feel Good. Donate Blood.
Every drop counts — take a simple step that can change someone’s life.
Sign Up Today!!
Norton County Hospital Blood Drive
🗓 Tuesday, August 12th, 2025
🕘 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Norton County Hospital Conference Room
Starting 8/1... August is National Wellness Month, and as part of their work to support the health of communities, the American Red Cross will provide free A1C screening - a test commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes - for all donors who make a successful blood, platelet or plasma donation. No fasting needed. Donors will also receive a free $15 e-gift card.
Why Donate?
Help Save Lives: Your donation can bring healing and hope to those in need.
Make a Difference: Be part of something bigger than yourself.
It’s Easy: A few minutes of your time can mean a lifetime for someone else.
Small acts can lead to big change—be a part of it. Click the link, sign up, and take action that truly matters

Find the nearest Red Cross blood, platelet or plasma donation center. Make a difference in someone's life, give the gift of life.