News and Community

We Welcome Dr. Emily Denney to SMH Primary Care

Sheridan Memorial Hospital is excited to welcome Dr. Emily Denney, DO, to the Primary Care

Healthy Gut

Today we will be talking about gut health. The gut, or gastrointestinal (G.I.) tract, generally refers to the stomach, through the small and

The Foundation Sheridan Memorial Hospital Employee Partner Celebration

SMH Foundation Celebrates 19 Years of Employee Partner Contributions

On Wednesday, December 8, 2022, Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation hosted their annual holiday breakfast to honor and celebrate

Sunrise of Hope - Welch Cancer Center

I am a nurse at the Welch Cancer Center, and I love my job. Every day my incredible coworkers and I come together with the same goal- to give

Following Up With Tom McClain - Cardiopulmonary Rehab Patient

Each year in February, we celebrate National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week to draw attention to the role of cardiac rehab in reducing the

What a Year for Our Transitional Care Patients

In September 2022, Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) opened up the new, expanded Transitional Care Unit (TCU) on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the

Hospital Employees Give Back to the Community

Each year, Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) employees find ways to give back to the community. “Our community is so supportive of

A Gift of Love – Memorial Unveiling in Honor of Emily Stone Shelby

The Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) Foundation was honored to host a memorial unveiling for a

SMH Foundation Approves Over $100,000 to Fund Robotic Surgical Table

Thanks to the generous gifts made by donors in

Sheridan Memorial Hospital Cardiac Cath Lab Earns National Accreditation

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH)

Christmas Card Art 2022 Know the Winners & Enjoy All the Entries HERE Merry Christmas!

2022 Christmas Card Contest Winners

Congratulations to 4th grader Adley Rhodes at Sagebrush Elementary, 4th grader Abigail Zielsdoft at Sagebrush Elementary, and 5th

Watt Dialysis’ Lynnet Bede Recognized as Dialysis Clinic, Inc. 2022 Employee of the Year

Lynnet Bede, the Nurse Manager for the Watt Dialysis Center here in Sheridan, was recognized as the Dialysis Clinic, Inc’s (DCI’s) 2022 Employee of

Sheridan Memorial Hospital New Robotic-Assisted Surgery - Our Lives in Expert Hands - SheridanRoboticSurgery.com

New Robotic-Assisted Surgery Program at Sheridan Memorial Hospital

Patients can now access state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical technology right here

SMH Awarded $5.9 Million State Grant to Enhance Mental Healthcare in Sheridan County

SMH Awarded $5.9 Million State Grant to Enhance Mental Healthcare in Sheridan County - Hospital to

Hospital can help with Insurance Marketplace Enrollment

Health Insurance Marketplace® Open Enrollment Runs Through January 2023 Shopping for health insurance can be confusing and cumbersome.

Sheridan Memorial Hospital Earns Pediatric Receiving Facility Designation

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) has been recognized as a Pediatric Receiving Facility by the

2022 Link - Thanks to your participation and support $50,000

Providing Comfort and Care for Cancer Patients in Your Community

Saturday, October 15th the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation hosted The Link - Partners in

Sheridan Memorial Hospital Celebrates Home Care and Hospice Month

Celebrating Home Care and Hospice Month

Providing care for patients in their own home has shown to be a very effective way to treat many

HealthiLIfe Fridays Patient Directed Lab Testing

SMH Kicks Off HealtheLife Fridays October 21st at Primary Care

This Friday, October 21, Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) launches an expanded

Why We Walk – Comfort & Care for our Cancer Patients

With October often comes the colors changing not only on the grass and trees, but pink is often

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Sheridan Memorial Hospital is excited to welcome Emily Denney, DO, to the Primary Care downtown practice at 61 South Gould Street. Dr. Denney is an Air Force veteran who made family practice her focus because she is passionate about working with people of all ages.

Dr. Denney’s desire to create lasting connections drew her to the medical profession: “I love talking with people, learning about them, and trying to help them live their healthiest lives.” After completing her degree in Texas and a residency in Maine, Dr. Denney joined the Air Force. She managed the healthcare of military personnel and their families at Dover Air Force Base, where she also mentored new clinicians.

Dr. Denney comes to Sheridan from a rural community in Montana, where she worked for over five years in a primary care practice. She was drawn to Sheridan in part because of her desire to continue working and serving in a small town. She feels the “supportive atmosphere and collegial environment” that SMH provides are essential to her success as a board-certified Family Medicine Physician.

When she isn’t working, Dr. Denney can be found spending time with her family; she enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, and getting outside with her husband and their two daughters, who are her “daily source of inspiration.” They are excited about all of the local recreation opportunities available and feel welcomed into Sheridan’s family-friendly atmosphere. “I want the people of Sheridan to know I love working with patients to meet their health goals, I am flexible in how we get there, and I am always learning new ways of doing things.”

Follow the respective link to learn more about Dr. Denney or the hospital’s Primary Care practice.

By Kristopher Schamber, MD, FACP – Medical Director, SMH Primary Care

Today we will be talking about gut health. The gut, or gastrointestinal (GI) tract, generally refers to the stomach, through the small and large intestines, and out the rectum and anus. I will include some discussion of the upper GI tract, or esophagus, as well.

I think it is important first to review some definitions. The term bowel refers to the intestines below the stomach. A bowel movement = poop. Stool = poop. Constipation, while different for everybody, signifies harder, less frequent bowel movements that require straining. Diarrhea, also different between individuals, signifies looser, more frequent bowel movements, typically very watery.

The perfect poop is soft but formed, comes out easily and does not leave any residue on your bottom or the toilet bowl. This is achieved with a healthy amount of dietary fiber, the type of fiber that does not get absorbed through your gut (like the stringy stuff in celery or the rind on an apple).

Constipation, while generally not severe, can cause significant illness, including severe pain, confusion, and even a ruptured colon, in addition to the more common hemorrhoids and diverticulosis. It may increase the risk of colon cancer as well. There are many different causes, including multiple medications, neurologic conditions, cancer, not drinking enough water, and poor diet. Treatment ideally targets the underlying cause. Increasing fiber intake, ideally with vegetables or using a fiber supplement, and drinking plenty of water (for most people, 64 ounces per day) is a must. Laxatives and stool softeners should only be used under the direction of your medical provider.

Diarrhea is generally less common than constipation and has a number of different causes, including infections, medications, tobacco, caffeine, alcohol and artificial sweeteners (Splenda, sweet and low, etc.). Treatment, as above, targets the underlying cause, and fiber can also help. Over-the-counter anti-diarrheals should be used under the direction of your medical provider.

Acid reflux, also known as GERD, typically causes stomach pain just below the breastbone, a burning sensation in the esophagus just beneath the breastbone, or an acid taste in the mouth with belching. It can rarely cause esophageal cancer. Common causes include a number of different foods: Acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus fruits, tomato-based sauces, and greasy and fatty foods. Coffee, alcohol, and tobacco are also common causes. Occasionally someone’s genetic makeup causes an increase in acid production.

Screening for colon cancer is an important part of GI health. A screening test is used to diagnose disease prior to it causing any symptoms. Colon cancer, if found early, can be cured. The screening begins between ages 45–50 and continues until at least age 75. A colonoscopy is the standard study in this community, though there are other tests as well that require a small stool sample.

Diet is very important to GI health, and as you read above, dietary factors play a role in many GI conditions. Generally speaking, a balanced diet with 25% whole grains, 25% healthy proteins (white meat, fish, legumes, etc.), 40% veggies with some fruit, and 10% healthy fats and oils (olive oil, avocado, etc.) is healthy for the gut, in addition to known benefits with the cardiovascular system, weight, and other benefits. As noted above, certain specific foods or beverages can contribute to constipation, diarrhea, or GERD. Diets heavy in smoked meats are linked to certain types of GI cancer.

Probiotics can also be helpful for gut health. Our intestines have good bacteria that help in digestion and other processes. This is known as the gut microbiome, and there is much ongoing research into various effects of this microbiome on the GI tract and throughout the body. Taking a probiotic daily can benefit your gut and the rest of your body with very little risk.

Learn more about Dr. Kristopher Schamber and Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Primary Care practice and the professionals caring for patients by visiting the respective links.

On Wednesday, December 8, 2022, Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation hosted their annual holiday breakfast to honor and celebrate Employee Partners for their contributions to the hospital’s Foundation. During the event, Partners vote to fund a strategic project in the hospital’s area of greatest need, with the monies accumulated over the past year. In 2022, 518 employee partners participated in this unique philanthropic program and donated $40,781 through biweekly payroll deductions.

This year at the Annual Partner Celebration, Employee Partners voted to support the hospital’s GAP Program Fund, which provides one-time assistance to patients for hotel rooms, meals, gas cards, and more. The GAP Program Funds help ensure a successful patient recovery and/or safe discharge from the hospital.

The idea for Employee Partner giving program began with a few faithful employees in 2004. It has steadily increased year over year, with new employees joining the generous and passionate hospital team. Over the past 19 years, Employee Partners have contributed over half a million dollars toward patient care improvement projects at your community hospital.

“We are so grateful for our employees each and every day,” expresses Chief Development Officer Cody Sinclair. “This funding opportunity is just another example of how our employees contribute to our culture of kindness and care deeply for our patients. We are fortunate to have such a supportive and caring team at the hospital. Every day they are focused on improving the care and experience of every patient.”

For more information about The Foundation, please contact our team at 307.673.2418 or visit sheridanhospital.org/foundation.

Thank you to Welch Cancer Center Registered Nurse Amber Moseman for letting us post the beautiful photograph she took and her following thoughts.

I am a nurse at the Welch Cancer Center, and I love my job. Every day my incredible coworkers and I come together with the same goal- to give the best care possible to each person who crosses our path and do it with a smile.
An early January morning, I took this picture; I remember thinking how defeated I felt because it had been a very difficult week, and I was not sure how I could give of myself anymore. As I got out of my car and began to walk down the path, a deer spooked in front of me and ran across the road. I turned to watch the deer run, and the sunrise stopped me in my tracks. I stood there for the longest time, watching the light dance on the clouds and treetops. The scene was so beautiful. As I stood there, the cool breeze brushed against my cheeks, and the sun fought to break through the chill, and peace came over me. I snapped the picture and worked the rest of the day with a smile on my face and hope in my heart.

Amber Moseman, RN

Each year in February, we celebrate National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week to draw attention to the role of cardiac rehab in reducing the potentially devastating effects of heart disease. In Sheridan, we are lucky to have many exceptional services to support heart health, from the cardiology team at the Heart Center, to our Cardiac Catheterization Lab and state-of-the-art ICU at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. After having a heart attack, being diagnosed with heart failure, or after a heart procedure like a coronary artery bypass, coronary stent placement, or valve replacement, Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s nationally accredited Cardiopulmonary Rehab program provides support to help you recover.

Checking in on Tom McClain, Cardiopulmonary Rehab patient

Just over a year ago, we told you about Tom McClain, who has been in the SMH Cardiopulmonary Rehab program since 2019. We thought we would check in on him and learned that he continues to participate in the maintenance program, now logging over 320 sessions over the last three years!

Tom says that since we last talked to him, he had cardiac ablation, a procedure to block his heart from producing irregular or abnormal rhythms, and also had his pacemaker replaced.

He is very grateful to have the program and the beautiful space to work out in. “This is a safe place for cardiac and pulmonary patients, and that’s why I come here. It makes me feel better, and it’s not hard to make myself come because there are people here who are expecting me. Coming to exercise here is just part of my weekly routine.”

He still considers himself one of our “regulars,” saying: “I come twice a week. Socialization is really important to me – there are three of us who come at the same time, and it makes exercising fun. We have a lot in common and encourage each other to do our best. I live alone and really look forward to spending time here.”

“What I particularly like about the hospital program is that there is always a nurse or staff member who monitors me – taking my blood pressure and checking my oxygen levels as I go about my workout. It’s comforting to have a professional on hand, observing me and making sure I’m doing ok. Besides that, I’m on oxygen, and it is so convenient that I can just plug my oxygen line into the wall as I exercise,” Tom adds.

He has also participated in the educational classes offered to patients in the Pulmonary Rehab program.

According to Cassie Mullins, RN, SMH Cardiopulmonary Rehab Supervisor, “Because our patients come so often, the Cardiopulmonary staff really gets to know each individual. A typical program runs from 18-36 sessions, so we learn a lot about our patients: their likes and dislikes, what they care about, and the goals they have. This also helps us develop a plan together with the patient, to reduce their risk of developing worsening heart disease. It can also help us provide continued encouragement for the individual to accomplish a health goal like quitting smoking. If our patients don’t show up, we call to check on them and encourage them to continue their workouts.”

More about the program

Our Cardiac Rehab program has two phases. The first phase of cardiac rehab is the monitored exercise phase. During this time, your doctor can order up to 36 closely monitored exercise sessions for you to complete. We encourage our patients to work up to exercising 3 times a week with us. After graduating from the monitored exercise program, we encourage our patients to continue to exercise! During the maintenance phase, we provide the opportunity for our patients to continue exercising in our gym with less monitoring. The ultimate goal is for our patients to feel safe and confident participating in whatever kind of exercise they enjoy, whether in a cardiac rehab setting, at home, or in the community.

If you have had a heart attack, heart failure, or a heart procedure, ask your doctor if you could be eligible to be enrolled in cardiac rehab. For more information, call Cardiopulmonary Rehab at Sheridan Memorial Hospital at 307.672.1062.

By Tommi Ritterbusch, MSN, RN – Sheridan Memorial Hospital Manager of Transitional Care Unit, Welch Cancer Center and Case Management — In December 2022, Tommi was selected by the Wyoming Business Report as one of the “30 under 40” – a program that recognizes young people who are shaping and will continue to shape the future of Wyoming.

In September 2022, Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) opened up the new, expanded Transitional Care Unit (TCU) on the 2^nd and 3^rd floors of the original 1954 hospital building for Transitional Care Patients. These floors have been completely renovated and repurposed from their initial state. Each comfortable private suite has its own bathroom, large windows and ample space for visitors.

What is Transitional Care?

The hospital’s TCU is a hospital-based short-term care unit for medically complex patients who are transitioning after a hospital stay. Requiring a physician referral, this type of care is referred to as sub-acute care or skilled care. It is an excellent option for patients who have completed acute medical treatment but still need therapy and assistance to regain their fullest functionality before going home or to the next level of care. We help patients recover from a variety of diagnoses—pneumonia, joint surgeries, congestive heart failure, COPD, and strokes, to name a few examples.

Our entire team prioritizes each patient with their own plan of care to help them improve and safely discharge.

The TCU Team

Our TCU has been designed to help our patients meet their healthcare goals by providing rehabilitation and skilled nursing care. It offers coordination and continuity between various providers, services and settings. Our outstanding team of professionals serving these patients includes physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapists; nurses; case managers; dietitians; pharmacists; and providers.

Our interdisciplinary team is clearly the most beneficial component to a patient’s successful transition from a hospital stay to their home or the next level of care. The team meets regularly with each patient, and as applicable, family and caregivers throughout their stay to ensure the TCU care is on track with individualized established goals. After a serious illness or injury, it can be challenging to transition back to normal life, especially if the “new normal” is different. That is where TCU care also steps in. It allows patients to take their time adjusting to a new quality of life, emotionally and physically. Depending on individual patient circumstances and healthcare guidelines, days of care in the TCU can range anywhere from three to 100 days.

Our hospital’s case managers assist patients and their families as needed to determine the most appropriate setting for the next step or level of care. Individual needs are reviewed, discussed and assessed by the team in conjunction with each patient.

This process may often include a visit to the patient’s home to ensure it is safe and set up correctly for success. Or it may be an opportunity to connect and introduce patients to other support services available in our area.

We have two dedicated providers who care exclusively for our TCU patients. Rita Cherni-Smith, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician, was born and raised in Sheridan. Dr. Cherni-Smith enjoys bedside care and has expertise in non-interventional pain management and palliative care. She is joined by Brenda Fischer, FNP, the family nurse practitioner who also provides care for TCU patients. Dr. Derek Redinger of our Internal Medicine practice has also begun assisting in the TCU.

Quality Care and Safety are Highest Priorities

While TCU care is extensive in its approach, its main focus is ensuring quality, safe care and helping patients return to daily environments with the highest levels of strength and functionality possible. The TCU helps minimize the chance of a patient’s return visit to the hospital.

The expansion of our hospital’s TCU combines this unique care and the patient experience, ensuring a quality stay for patients in a separate area of the hospital. Patient goals vary but may include learning new skills, participating in activities, and socialization. This daily routine is also a significant component of preparing for the transition back home. Some of the activities include: cooking and baking in the TCU kitchen, completing laundry tasks, improving mobility through exercise either in the spacious therapy gym or outside on the beautiful SMH campus, practicing entering and exiting a vehicle, and a beautiful group dining and activity area with a cozy fireplace.

A bit of History

The hospital’s first TCU opened in 2005 in what was then our newly-built patient wing. The unit gained substantial support from the hospital Foundation. Since then, our patients’ needs have continually grown. In 2017, the hospital cared for an average of four patients per day. Last summer, the hospital averaged ten Transitional Care patients per day.

Fortunately, through the support of The Foundation and generous contributions from our community, SMH has now expanded Transitional Care to fully meet the need for care close to home. Over the past few years, the SMH Foundation raised $5 million for the $8.3 million project. We look forward to caring for and serving our community.

To learn more about our Transitional Care at Sheridan Memorial Hospital – click HERE or visit https://www.sheridanhospital.org/medical-services/transitional-care/

Each year, Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) employees find ways to give back to the community.

“Our community is so supportive of the hospital. Each hospital staff member works hard caring for the community in their routine job tasks. I am humbled to learn about the efforts made by our staff to help others outside of their normal job duties. I am so proud to share this year’s contributions with our community,” according to Cody Sinclair, SMH Chief Development Officer.

Here are some of the various efforts that hospital staff and departments participated in or initiated this past year.

SMH Foundation Employee Partner Program – 518 employee partners raised $40,781 in 2022. After an opportunity to select a project at the Annual Partner Celebration in December, Partners voted to support the hospital’s GAP Program Fund, which provides one-time assistance to patients for things like hotel rooms, meals, gas cards, and more – helping to ensure a successful patient recovery and/or safe discharge from the hospital. Over the past 19 years, SMH Employee Partners have contributed nearly $600,000 to a variety of significant patient care improvement projects at our community hospital.

Patient Access and Admissions Department – collected food prior to Thanksgiving for the Salvation Army shelves for their annual Harvest Food Drive.

Intensive Care Unit staff – came together and donated several gifts and made a cash donation to a single mother of 3 young girls who was going through a hard time this season.

Women’s Health Department – conducted a toy drive for Christmas, and toys were donated to Toys for Tots.

Addiction and Internal Medicine Clinic – Spearheaded the “Santa Kids” project, where SMH employees provided gifts for 55 children (ages baby to 17) of patients in the Addiction and Internal Medicine Clinic for Christmas. Each child sponsored was given a large gift bag of presents. The outpouring of support for this project was amazing and the families were so appreciative.

All SMH Employees – Specific Fridays throughout the year are designated as “Jeans Friday” at SMH. Employees are encouraged to donate $5 for the privilege of wearing jeans on that day; over $1,680 was raised from this effort. The funds were distributed among the following causes:

The Link Partners in Pink – for comfort and care for Welch Cancer Center patients and families
The hospital’s Gap Program
Sheridan Media Christmas Wish Campaign
Salvation Army

SMH Kozy Korner Gift Shop Volunteers — As part of their annual “Gifts of Kindness” project, our wonderful volunteers gave out 30 neck pillows to patients who were in the hospital on Christmas Eve along with a few special baby gifts to new parents and babies in Women’s Health.

Human Resources and Nurses — on several occasions throughout the year Human Resources and several SMH nurses have supported High School juniors and seniors from Sheridan, Big Horn and Tongue River by conducting mock employment interviews and HR-related roundtable discussions in preparation for their careers of interest.

Urgent Care – Staff chose to do special things for the Wyoming Girls School students on holidays throughout the year. Cash donations from the staff at Urgent Care went to these gifts for the girls: Candy “Poppers” on the 4^th of July, handmade bunnies with treats for Easter, bookmarkers with treats for Back to School, witches brooms for Halloween and at Chrismas purchased stockings and stuffed them with goodies. These are only some of the treats and gifts that were given over the year.

SMH Trauma Program – The group gave away 204 life jackets, 240 bike helmets, over 50 Clifford pedestrian safety books, and 200 reflective bags with bracelets to children at 3^rd Thursdays last summer. The giveaways had a huge impact in promoting safety in our community. The SMH Foundation assisted in obtaining all of these safety items.

Primary Scare – SMH Trauma and our Primary Care clinic held Primary Scare at the Gould Street location just before Halloween and gave trick-or-treaters safety swag and treats.

Welch Cancer Center – the Cancer Resource Center gave out wigs and other items free of charge to local people battling cancer.

Internal Medicine staff and providers – collected and gave a cash donation to the HUB in December.

Pictured from left to right: T.R. Shelby and his railroad friends: Kirk Petty, Gary Meece, Tom Morris, Kelly Legg, T.R. Shelby, John Yeager, and Bruce Drummond in front of Peacock carving at Sheridan Memorial Hospital.

The Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) Foundation was honored to host a memorial unveiling for a Gift of Love on November 17, 2022. This beautiful collection was generously gifted to the hospital by T.R. Shelby in loving memory of his wife, Emily Stone Shelby, who passed away in 2020. The exquisite pieces were acquired by T.R. and Emily from the personal Chinese Furniture collection of Ling Tung.

T.R. and Emily met Ling Tung during their retirement years in Jackson Hole, where their love for classical music led them to the Grand Teton Music Festival, of which Ling was the conductor. This led to a friendship formed with him and his wife, Margo, and eventually the Shelby’s procurement of the exhibition-quality Chinese collection of carved furnishings.

A part of this collection at the hospital is the Wooden Peacock Carving, which was created from a giant tree-root ball and maintains the integrity of the natural root form. With a striking symbolic meaning, the Peacock has been associated with the goddess Guan Yin and, in this sense, represents protection and holiness. Birds are also compelling symbols in Chinese Culture because they can fly with freedom from the Earth, connecting us to the heavens. Birds are thought of as divine messengers to communicate our humble requests to the god above. It is also recorded in Chinese folklore that peacock feathers are welcome because they bring an extra set of eyes for protection.

“This Gift of Love honors Emily’s talents and memories. The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation is incredibly grateful and honored to have this beautiful carving with such symbolic meaning behind it on exhibit for all to see. We look forward to all of the comforts this exhibit will provide to patients, families, and our community for years to come,” according to Ada Kirven, SMH Foundation Director of Donor Relations.

To get the most up-to-date Foundation information and learn more about gift opportunities, visit sheridanhospital.org/foundation.

Thanks to the generous gifts made by donors in and around our community, the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation Board approved over $100,000 to fund a vital surgical table necessary for the Robotic-Assisted Surgery Program at Sheridan Memorial Hospital.

The TruSystem 7000dV Mobile Surgical Table is intended for use with the da Vinci XI Robot-Assisted Surgical System. It allows for better access, flexibility, and communication during robotic-assisted procedures.

It is essential for robotic-assisted surgery due to its ability to dynamically position a patient while the surgeon operates. This immediate repositioning during surgery uses the power of gravity to move organs and tissue out of view, which allows the surgeon to have optimal exposure and access to the target anatomy.

This table features connectivity, control, and versatility. It has a wireless connection, long battery life, an easy-to-use remote that helps guide through the setup and intraoperative use, and a wide range of motion with a patient weight limit of 1,000 lb.

The tradition of healthcare philanthropy helps to ensure the technology and equipment necessary is available for our expert physicians and care teams which allows them to provide excellent patient care for our community. The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to the generous individuals and organizations whose contributions were able to fund this necessary equipment for Sheridan Memorial Hospital.

“The addition of this surgical table is critical for the growth and advancement of our robotic-assisted surgeries. Enhanced technology in our rural community allows patients to stay close to home, near their friends and family, allowing providers to deliver excellent patient-centered care,” shares Dr. Rebecca Krzyminski, Obstetrics and Gynecology Surgeon.

Watch and learn more about robotic-assisted surgery at sheridanroboticsurgery.com.

To get the most up-to-date Foundation information and learn more about gift
opportunities, visit sheridanhospital.org/foundation.

by Kristi Ramsey, RN, BSN, RCIS, CVRN – Sheridan Memorial Hospital Cath Lab Manager

February is National Heart Month – so this is a particularly appropriate time to share some great news with all of you. Our Cardiac Cath Lab team has been working hard over the past year to achieve yet another national endorsement.

Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation
I am pleased to announce that The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) for its demonstrated expertise and commitment to treating patients who come to SMH’s Cardiac Cath Lab for care, including for diagnostic catheterizations (cath) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. SMH was awarded Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who come to the cardiac cath lab.

PCI includes procedures such as PTCA, also known as Percutaneous Coronary Angioplasty, Thrombectomy, and Stent placement. It is a non-surgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack. Thrombectomy is the removal of a thrombus (blood clot) from the coronary vessel. A coronary stent, a small expandable mesh-like tube, is often placed in the coronary artery once the narrowed or blocked artery is opened. The stent keeps the artery open and allows blood to flow freely to the cardiac muscle.

Cathy Bealer, SMH Chief Nursing Officer says, “In earning this accreditation, our Cath Lab staff and providers have demonstrated their commitment to providing the Sheridan region with consistent excellent heart care. They completed a multi-faceted clinical process that culminated in a rigorous onsite review. They also applied improved methods and strategies of caring for patients, including streamlining processes, implementing quality cardiovascular guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in caring for cath lab patients.”

She adds, “Because of our team’s diligent work, our patients here in Sheridan have access to the same heart testing and treatment typically found only in regional medical centers.”

According to the ACC, facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to improved patient outcomes. To maintain the accreditation, hospitals must undergo the review process every three years.

Hospitals that have proven exceptional competency in treating patients requiring cardiac catheterization have standardized their assessment process for patients before catheterization to ensure quality and patient safety. They ensure that care in the procedure room for sedation, infection control, radiation safety, universal protocol, and time-out procedures is fully coordinated; and have mastered the appropriate transfer to a cardiac recovery department to better monitor and track complications, enhance physician-to-patient communication, patient family communication, discharge instructions and follow-up information.

Heart Failure Accreditation earned in 2020
This isn’t the first national accreditation that our Cath Lab has earned. Back in 2020, the ACC awarded SMH the Heart Failure Accreditation, which was based on the hospital’s competence and specific standards that were put in place to provide excellent care to patients with heart failure. The ACC evaluated 73 mandatory components that focus on the hospital’s policies, standards, protocols and education related to heart failure. This was also a three-year accreditation which was renewed again this past year.

Earning these recognitions is not a “one-and-done” process, and both require ongoing internal attention to how we care for members of our community who have heart disease. It’s a constant rigorous look at policies, protocols, and standards and making the appropriate adjustments needed to evolve with the continuous changes and improvements in the care of our cardiac patients.

Thanks to our entire Cardiovascular team for their dedicated focus, extra hours, teamwork and collaboration to achieve both of these outstanding recognitions. All of this means better outcomes for our patients.

In addition to the mentioned procedures in this article, the following procedures are also performed in the cardiac cath lab.

Right and Left Heart Catheterizations
Permanent Pacemakers (PPM)
Implantable Converter – Defibrillators (ICD)
Loop Recorders
Cardioversions
Trans-esophageal Echo’s
Cardiac Stress Testing

Cardiac Cath Lab History at SMH
The SMH Cardiac Cath Lab opened in 2013 and is one of only seven in the state of Wyoming. It was funded through the SMH Foundation – with a significant gift from the Lorraine Husman Trust, designated for cardiac care, and a generous donation from the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

2023 Sheridan Memorial Hospital Cath Lab Team Left to right: Yvette Romero RN, Chris Rojo RN, Jackie Ek RN, Lauryn Cleveland RTR, Kristi Ramsey RN, Dawn Morgan RN, Matt Elmore RTR, Megan Wetzel RN. Missing from Photo: Alaina Sottolano RN, James Boulter RTR, Marcus Pedroza RTR

2023 Sheridan Memorial Hospital Cath Lab Team
Left to right: Yvette Romero RN, Chris Rojo RN, Jackie Ek RN, Lauryn Cleveland RTR,
Kristi Ramsey RN, Dawn Morgan RN, Matt Elmore RTR, Megan Wetzel RN.

Missing from Photo: Alaina Sottolano RN, James Boulter RTR, Marcus Pedroza RTR

To learn more about awards Sheridan Memorial Hospital has earned, click HERE or visit https://www.sheridanhospital.org/about-us/awards/.

Sheridan Memorial Hospital would like to thank all of the talented area 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders who submitted their artwork this year. Students were asked to create a design that captured the theme “A Joyous, Blessed Christmas.”

All of the entries are on display now through the holiday season in the windows at the hospital’s Primary Care clinic downtown at 61 South Gould Street.

Come see all of the incredible artistry and imagination for yourselves! Merry Christmas!

Lynnet Bede, the Nurse Manager for the Watt Dialysis Center here in Sheridan, was recognized as the Dialysis Clinic, Inc’s (DCI’s) 2022 Employee of the Year.

The Watt Dialysis Center is one of hundreds of DCI clinic partnerships around the country; Lynnet’s national award highlights the important work of the Sheridan team. Lynnet has been a nurse for 29 years and a dialysis nurse for 26 years. She has led the Watt Dialysis Center’s team since 1996.

DCI nominators recognized Lynnet as a “kind and selfless person, who cares for everyone she comes into contact with.” During the COVID pandemic, Lynnet led her team in sending care kits to DCI units all over the country with messages of encouragement. She even sent brownies to the corporate office, recognizing that the pandemic disrupted everything and everyone. Lynnet says the care package project grew quickly; “I don’t know how many clinics we sent kits to. It didn’t take long to realize that every clinic should have received one.”

Lynnet is a servant leader who sets a strong example for her colleagues. When duty calls, she can fill the role of a Charge Nurse, a Floor Nurse, a Patient Care Tech, a Chief Tech and an Admin Assistant. She embodies the idea of accountability as she takes responsibility for every aspect of care.

DCI’s nomination noted that Lynnet takes extra steps and time to make sure that no patient goes without care; “On a number of occasions, Lynnet has opened the clinic and personally staffed the space to accommodate a treatment on a Saturday because there was a pressing need for just one patient.” In Wyoming the seasons bring waves of travel patients who Lynnet bends over backwards to accommodate.

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) is proud of Lynnet and grateful for her leadership and compassion for the patients and staff of the Watt Dialysis Center, which is located in the spacious area just beneath the SMH Emergency Department.

Please join us in congratulating Lynnet Bede for this well deserved recognition.

Patients can now access state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical technology right here in Sheridan. The new da Vinci Xi Robot-Assisted Surgical System at Sheridan Memorial Hospital provides overall better outcomes. Patients experience shorter hospital stays, reduced recovery time, reduced pain/discomfort, reduced scarring, and reduced blood loss. The da Vinci system is designed to be the safest and least invasive option for many surgical interventions. This is the fourth generation of the da Vinci robotic platform and it brings with it over 20 years of learning for enhancing surgical performance.

Dr. Josh Scott recently moved back home to Sheridan and is a surgeon with Big Horn Surgical at SMH. He says patients should be excited about the capabilities of this new system and what it means for them post-surgery.

“As surgeons, we will be able to conduct even less invasive surgeries because this new robot only requires two to four incisions between eight to 13 millimeters long,” Scott says. “Pair that with the post-surgery benefits of shorter hospital stays and reduced recovery time, and it’s a win-win situation for patients. To have this level of technology here in Sheridan is amazing.”

There are many types of surgery that can be performed using this surgical system according to Dr. Scott. Some of those include hernia repair, gall bladder removal, hysterectomies, ovary removal, prostatectomies, and more.

“As our many specialists become more familiar with this technology, other surgical options will become available in the near future,” Dr. Scott added.

While the robot is what makes this surgery less invasive, Dr. Scott went on to say, “It’s very important for patients to know the surgeon is in control of the robot at all times. The robot does nothing without the surgeon directing every movement of the instruments.”

The surgeon uses a console right at the bedside to control the precision instruments with a 3D, high definition camera with 10x magnification allowing access to hard-to-reach areas of the body not normally visible to the human eye.

“This robot will allow our patients to remain closer to home, family and friends and that always provides a better healing environment after surgery,” Dr. Scott added.

To learn more about the New Robotic-Assisted Surgery Program at Sheridan Memorial Hospital visit SheridanRoboticSurgery.com and Robotic-Assisted Surgery FAQs

SMH Awarded $5.9 Million State Grant to Enhance Mental Healthcare in Sheridan County – Hospital to launch capital campaign to raise matching funds for $12.8 Million Project

On November 16, Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) was awarded a $5.9 million grant from the State Land and Investment Board to develop an Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, Healing (EmPATH) and Crisis Stabilization Unit to serve the Sheridan County region.

This critical project will help address the growing mental health and behavioral health needs of our community by providing psychiatric urgent care, crisis stabilization, inpatient psychiatric beds, and therapy space. The total cost of the project is $12.8 million and the SLIB grant requires a one-to-one match.

Over the years SMH has invested heavily to provide a safe environment for behavioral health patients and staff. Currently, the hospital provides tele-psych services, security on-site 24 hours/day, patient support staff, additional full-time licensed clinical mental health professionals, and transportation to get patients to appropriate treatment facilities.

The region does not, however, have the appropriate level of treatment and service for behavioral health patients to meet their needs close to home. Many patients must be transported to treatment facilities far outside our community. The development of the EmPATH and Crisis Stabilization Unit is an opportunity to invest in facilities that will support the mental and behavioral health needs here in Sheridan County.

Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Mike McCafferty, expressed his gratitude to everyone who’s working on improving mental health in our community. “Addressing the mental and behavioral healthcare needs of our community is a priority for Sheridan Memorial Hospital. We are grateful to our local, regional, and statewide partners who are working with us to provide additional mental and behavioral health care resources that our community deserves.”

Sheridan Memorial Hospital partnered with local, regional and statewide stakeholders to develop its plan to enhance community partnerships addressing mental health care needs for our region. The hospital looks forward to working with partners, foundations, and community members in making this critical project for our community a reality.

This project will launch quickly as the SLIB grant designates that it must be completed by 2026.

November 13, 2022

Health Insurance Marketplace® Open Enrollment Runs Through January 2023

Shopping for health insurance can be confusing and cumbersome. There are literally hundreds of websites offering information and help for anyone looking to obtain health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace®.

Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace runs Tuesday, November 1, 2022, through January 15, 2023. The official government website, HealthCare.gov, offers a Quick Guide to the marketplace offering information on the following topics:

Tips about the Health Insurance Marketplace
Getting a Health Insurance Marketplace plan: 4 steps
Are you eligible to use the Marketplace?
When can you get health insurance?

Sheridan Memorial Hospital has Patient Financial Advocates on staff ready to assist anyone needing help navigating the Marketplace.

SMH Financial Advocates can help you understand how the Marketplace works; help with reviewing coverage options, first-time enrollment and re-enrollment. Depending on each individual’s eligibility, there are plans to help cover prescriptions, hospital stays, doctor visits and more. Some individuals may even qualify for a tax credit to help individuals afford health insurance coverage.

There is no charge for assistance from SMH Patient Financial Advocates.

To make an appointment with one of the SMH Patient Financial Advocates, call 307.675.4620 or for more information, click here.

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) has been recognized as a Pediatric Receiving Facility by the Wyoming Department of Health’s Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) and Wyoming Hospital Preparedness programs.

The Wyoming Pediatric Recognition program, managed through the Wyoming Department of Health, ensures services, equipment, disaster preparedness and staff competencies are in place in a facility that may treat an acutely injured or ill child in Wyoming. There are 26 pediatric receiving facilities in Wyoming, and SMH is one of only 6 in our state to obtain the Wyoming Pediatric Emergency Readiness Level 1 recognition. Pursuing the designation is entirely voluntary.

Representatives from the Wyoming Department of Health and the Wyoming EMS Program came to SMH in October to tour the Emergency Department (ED) and complete a final review to ensure the hospital met the criteria for the designation. The visit culminated with the officials presenting a plaque to Chief Nursing Officer Cathy Bealer, RN; Pediatricians: Suzanne Oss, MD and Michael Sanderson, MD; Emergency Dept. and Physician Champion Isaac Hayward, MD; Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator Teara Leibee, RN; Trauma Coordinator Toni Schoonover, RN; and Emergency Department Manager Julie Boyd, RN.

“We are very proud of our entire Emergency Department team for pursuing and successfully achieving the Pediatric Readiness designation. Undertaking this comprehensive process demonstrates to our community our expertise, preparedness, and capability to care for children at our hospital. It is yet another commitment and investment by our dedicated ED team to provide the best possible care,” according to Bealer.

“Earning and maintaining the Pediatric Receiving Facility recognition involves considerable effort. It is an ongoing process in which Teara, Toni and Dr. Hayward work with our physicians and nurses to complete special pediatric competencies and annual education,” Bealer added.

The Wyoming Pediatric Recognition Program, part of the Federal Pediatric Readiness Project, is an evidence-based approach to ensuring minimum services, equipment, disaster preparedness and staff competencies are in place in a facility that may treat an acutely injured or ill child in Wyoming.

Click Here to learn more about Emergency Services at Sheridan Memorial Hospital.

Saturday, October 15^th the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation hosted The Link – Partners in Pink, its 14^th annual run/walk to raise awareness and funding for cancer care and healing in our community. During the beautiful fall day, more than 400 participants, volunteers and cancer survivors were in attendance at Whitney Commons Park wearing their pink and big smiles in support of this event and the fight against all cancers.

The event proceeds of nearly $50,000 will support the Comfort Care Program at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Welch Cancer Center (WCC). The program is overseen by WCC Manager Tommi Ritterbusch. With the help of Tommi and her team, funds are made available to cancer patients facing all cancer types and help provide them with the most comfortable experience during their cancer journey.

“Each year is bit different, but the community’s interest and support for all those who face a cancer journey continues to grow. In the minds of all of us who participate, the day has become much more than a fundraiser,” according to Ada Kirven, Director of Donor Relations. “The Link is an October tradition for our community. The power of a large group—all of us there for the same reason, to recognize our loved ones and those touched by cancer.” Kirven goes on to say “When someone receives a diagnosis, the daily challenges of life can feel overwhelming—we want to show support and encourage people.”

The Link-Partners in Pink Committee thanks all those who participated, sponsored, made a donation and volunteered their time. Cancer education and prevention resources are now more accessible to our community, because of amazing and caring people.

For more information about the WCC’s Patient Comfort Care please contact the Welch Cancer Center at 307.674.6022.

Community members may call The Foundation at 307.673.2418 or visit sheridahospital.org for additional information about the hospital or this project.

By: Sherrie Reish, RN — Home Care and Hospice Manager

Providing care for patients in their own home has shown to be a very effective way to treat many health conditions and post-operative situations. In the last year, Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) Home Care/Hospice clinicians took care of 275 patients making over 4,500 visits to patient homes with positive patient outcomes.

Each November, we celebrate the millions of nurses, home care aides, therapists, social workers, chaplains and volunteers who make a remarkable difference for the patients and families they serve. These heroic caregivers play a central role in our healthcare system and in homes across the nation.

Home Care services are high-tech, and the workers are very skilled. An added benefit is that the home tends to be a more relaxed, less restricted environment where patients can feel comfortable and more in control. Not only can care be provided less expensively in the home, but evidence also suggests that home care is a key step toward achieving optimal health outcomes for many patients. Studies show that patients who have home health visits have improved quality of care and improved patient outcomes. These visits can also reduce hospitalizations due to chronic conditions or adverse events.

I can’t say enough about our caring, dedicated home care staff – they do so much for our patients – going above and beyond every day to serve our community with excellent patient-centered care. The last two years have been challenging due to obstacles presented by COVID, but that didn’t slow us down! Our staff members have tirelessly traveled throughout our community caring for people in their homes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, rain or shine! I am also proud to announce that SMH Hospice received the 2022 Hospice Honors Award for continuously providing the highest level of satisfaction through care as measured from the patient’s point of view!

Home Care Services through SMH

SMH Home Care provides care tailored to an individual’s needs.

Some of our skilled services include-

Skilled Nursing and Home Health Aide services:

Pain and symptom management, medication management, IV infusion therapy, central line care, wound and ostomy care, observation and assessment of the patient’s condition, training and education for patients and their families.

Physical and Occupational Therapy:

Assisting home care patients to attain their maximum level of safety and independence. Therapy can follow orthopedic surgery or be done after an acute, chronic illness when a person becomes weak or experiences a decline in functional status.

Speech Therapy:

For patients with speech and swallowing problems and cognitive therapy, this can be a follow-up after a stroke or other brain injury.

To receive SMH Home Care, individuals must meet specific eligibility requirements to qualify for insurance coverage. Patients may also elect to pay for Home Care services privately. A person’s eligibility and individual circumstances will be assessed to determine the appropriate level of home care services.

Home Care services may be requested by: physicians and healthcare providers, patients, family members, friends, representatives of other healthcare service providers, as well as hospital discharge planners and case managers.

Home Care services are often covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and Commercial Insurance while the patient qualifies for the skilled service.

Hospice Services through SMH

When a person has a serious illness or disease and is nearing the end of life’s journey, hospice care can be the support needed. Hospice care focuses on ensuring the quality of life rather than providing treatment to prolong life.

When treatment goals change from cure to relief of symptoms, SMH Hospice is here to take care of you and your family. If the time comes for you or your loved one to need hospice services, you can expect a high level of compassion from our staff and volunteers. The services we offer include:

Basic medical care with a focus on pain and symptom control
Assistance with medication, medical supplies & equipment as needed and appropriate
Support with the psychological, emotional, and spiritual end-of-life aspects
A break (respite care) for caregivers, family, and others providing care
Bereavement support & counseling

Common Myths about Hospice:

Myth: Hospice care is only for people with a few days or weeks to live.

Fact: While Hospice is available to help patients and families during a medical crisis, patients will receive the fullest benefit when pain and symptoms are managed early, giving them time to make personal and spiritual connections, leading to quality at end-of-life.

Myth: Hospice is only for people with cancer.

Fact: Hospice is for patients of any age with a prognosis of six months or less to live. Qualifying diagnosis may include end-stage cancer, dementia, heart disease, lung disease, end-stage renal disease, stroke or coma.

Myth: Only a doctor can refer a patient for Hospice care.

Fact: Hospice referrals can be made by physicians and healthcare providers, patients, family members, friends, representatives of other healthcare service providers, as well as hospital discharge planners and case managers.

Myth: SMH Hospice provides 24-hour care.

Fact: SMH Hospice does NOT provide 24-hour care. Nurses, Aides, our Social Worker, our Chaplain and our Volunteers make intermittent visits throughout the week to support the patient and caregiver, typically for an hour at a time. The number of visits per week is based on the patient’s needs. Nurses are on call 24 hours a day/7, days week.

For more information about these services, please call our Home Care and Hospice team at 307.672.1083

This Friday, October 21, Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) launches an expanded preventative health care program called HealtheLife® Fridays. The new program begins with wellness blood screenings, now called Patient Directed Lab Testing. The preventative panels – which do not require a physician order – include a Blood Chemistry Panel, CBC, PSA, HA1C and Vitamin D.

Andrea Paulson, SMH Laboratory Manager, says HealtheLife Fridays at Primary Care’s downtown location will be good for the community; “Moving our Patient Directed Lab Testing downtown and providing it once a month will streamline things for our patients. Our lab phlebotomists will conduct the blood draws in the spacious conference room and there is ample parking in the hospital’s lot across Gould Street.”

HealtheLife® Fridays will be offered on the 3rd Friday of each month at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Primary Care clinic located at 61 South Gould Street in downtown Sheridan. Tyler Crossley, SMH Primary Care Manager, says, “This new service is a way for us to bring exciting new preventative health opportunities to our community. At future HealtheLife Fridays, we look forward to offering more tests, screenings, and education – much like a traditional health fair.”

Online scheduling for this new program allows patients to schedule up to 3 months in advance. Patients may schedule appointments from 6:30 am to 11:30 am via the hospital’s website: sheridanhospital.org. Or patients may leave a message requesting an appointment at 675-4675. Hospital staff will return calls to schedule an appointment date and time.

Sign up for your Patient Directed Lab Tests by clicking HERE.

With October often comes the colors changing not only on the grass and trees, but pink is often around every corner you turn. This year marks the 14^th Annual Link Partners in Pink for the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation and our community. It was a hugely successful event with hundreds of participants, volunteers and cancer survivors in attendance. This year’s funds raised will go toward the Comfort Care Program at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Welch Cancer Center (WCC). These funds are available to cancer patients of all cancer types and providing them with the most comfortable experience during their cancer journey. But what exactly is comfort care and how does it provide needed resources to your neighbors, patients, and family?

Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Welch Cancer Center Comfort Care Program began with a few gifts to support the journey of cancer patients through their diagnosis and treatment. Now, through thoughtful and generous donations and memorials, Comfort Care provides this needed funding based on criteria set and the patient’s financial needs. These one-time grants enable the WCC team to help our patients and their families on a personal level. Grants may also be used to help with travel expenses associated with unexpected treatments or to aid patients in the region to travel to Sheridan for their necessary treatments. Our patients and staff are grateful for the funds as they cover numerous other resources, support programs, and other comfort-related items, including individual counseling.

Throughout the last year, these funds have provided:

20 Wigs, Caps, & Hats for patients on their journey through cancer treatment
114 bras & camis were provided for women undergoing mastectomy, lumpectomy or reconstructive surgery, each fitted by a specially trained RN for their individual and specific needs.
5 hotel stays have been provided to patients and their families to ensure their safety during winter months, housing for longer periods of treatment, and a home away from home while receiving care at the WCC.
76 bus rides have been paid for so our patients don’t have to worry about the logistics or cost of travel before and after their treatments.
12 gas cards were given to patients and their families for emergency travel when unexpected trips arose for patients with escalated health care needs at other hospital locations.

It is a gift to be able to support this pivotal part of care and healing for some of the most vulnerable patients in our community.

For more information about the WCC’s Patient Comfort Care please contact the Welch Cancer Center at 307.674.6022.

To make a donation to the WCC Patient Comfort Care Program or other vital healthcare programs, please call The Foundation at 307.673.2418.

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