Sebelius talks with health care professionals in Topeka
Governor presents workplace safety award to St. Francis Health Center

A Topeka hospital that went 3 million work hours without a lost-time accident received recognition from Governor Kathleen Sebelius today.

Sebelius joined Secretary of Labor Jim Garner to present St. Francis Health Center with the K-Safe Award for workplace safety.

“St. Francis is an outstanding medical facility, a great community partner and now an award-winning workplace,” Sebelius said.

While at the hospital, Sebelius discussed health care issues with the doctors and staff.

“It’s my goal that more Kansans will have the opportunity to take advantage of the quality care available here at St. Francis, and at places like it throughout the state,” Sebelius said.

Governor Sebelius praised the progress being made on health care reform, but said legislators need to hear from constituents during the next several weeks in order to ensure that reform becomes law this year.

“The Legislature has had some promising discussions on health care, now it’s time to close the deal.  I encourage you to talk to your legislators and let them know it’s time for action,” said Sebelius.

Legislators have come together to support several proposals endorsed by Sebelius and the Kansas Health Policy Authority.  These include assistance with paying health insurance premiums for working families and pregnant women, increased screening of newborns for illnesses and greater use of technology to reduce errors and administrative costs.

Legislators are also close to approval of a plan to instruct the Health Policy Authority to develop a roadmap by later this year for providing access to affordable health care to all Kansans.

But the progress isn’t uniform, Sebelius said, pointing out that the Legislature continues to deny Kansas children the opportunity to start life healthy by failing to pass the Healthy Kansas First Five initiative.  That initiative would provide health insurance to all Kansas children from birth to age five.

“Every child deserves a healthy start in life,” Sebelius said. “Insuring these children now, will save their families money and heartache down the road.” 

The Kansas Legislature will return to Topeka on April 25th for the final days of the 2007 session.

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