Welcome to Sheridan Memorial Hospital
1401 West 5th St. Sheridan, WY — 307.672.1000
News and Community
Sheridan Memorial Hospital staff are very grateful for all the wonderful things our community has done for us during the pandemic. There have been so many businesses, organizations, and individuals who have given to us, that Chad Slyngstad, one of the house supervisors at the hospital, brought up the idea of a community food drive.
So during June, the SMH Gives Back Food Drive was held. Staff donated two full pickup loads of food which were distributed to The Food Group, People Assistance Food Bank, and the Salvation Army in early July.
After the food was delivered, some SMH staff picked a day to volunteer to help The Food Group as a team-building experience. They enjoyed the experience of organizing, sorting, and bagging the food, as well as learning the nutritional needs in our community.
Overall, SMH staff had a great time during the food drive and we look forward to more food drives in the future!
On Friday, July 3, 80 golfers and hospital volunteers gathered at The Powder Horn Golf Club to raise awareness and funds for patient care programs at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. The Foundation’s 11th Annual Golf Tournament focused on raising funds that will go towards our hospital’s areas of greatest need, related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to the best supplies, tools, and equipment available make it possible for Sheridan Memorial Hospital to continue driving forward in providing excellent patient-centered care, for everyone.
Even with the size and adjustments to this year’s tournament, the event was a huge success, raising over $12,000 for various areas of greatest need, related to the COVID-19 pandemic at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Over its 11 years, the annual event has raised over $250,000 in support of excellent patient care for our community. Projects funded include the Intensive Care Unit, Cardiac Care, and the Cath Lab, the Patient GAP Fund, which helps ensure successful recovery for patients after a hospital stay, various other department projects. Most recently, these funds were able to support the COVID-19 Care Fund that was created to immediately provide relief and support to Sheridan Memorial Hospital in the beginning stages of COVID-19 in our community.
With daily changes and updates to operations due to COVID-19, the 2020 tournament was a modified version of how this event has run in the past, including the number of teams able to play, the check-in process, and tournament start, and even the day of play. “We are eager about this event each year, and with the last six months the world has faced, The Foundation was especially looking forward to spending time with our sponsors and participants at this year’s tournament. Modifications were made, so this event was possible, taking into consideration the safety of players and volunteers. The SMH Foundation looks forward to future tournaments where we are again able to open this tournament up to all of our friends and supporters,” shared Chief Development Officer Cody Sinclair.
Winners of this year’s Tournament included:
1st Place Team – Shawn O’Dell, Will O’Dell, Danny Shore, Jayson Shore
Others who received recognition for their excellent play included Kaelee Saner, Kristin Wilkerson, Logan Garstad, and Joe Wright.
According to The Foundation, First Federal Bank and Trust, 609 Consulting, LLC; D.A. Davidson; Kennon; and O’Dell Construction were this year’s Hole-in-One, Gold Sponsors.
Cody Sinclair, Chief Development Officer, wrapped up the event, “It was a great day of golf and philanthropy with funds raised to support healthcare for our community. Sheridan Memorial Hospital and the care it provides to everyone is remarkable, and The Foundation is appreciative of everyone who was involved. Thank you to all of our wonderful tournament sponsors, participants, and volunteers for helping make this a great event!”
For more information on The Foundation, and how you can become part of their life-changing efforts, visit sheridanhospital.org/foundation today.
By Cheryl Varner, M.D.
I am a physician in the Navy reserves just returning to Wyoming from serving in New York City. I was deployed to the Javits New York Medical Station in early April and began seeing COVID patients by April 8. This was at the peak of the number of COVID cases happening in NYC, the top of their “curve”. During that time, NYC hospitals were operating above capacity and our mission at Javits was to offload some of the less acute patients in order to make room in local hospitals to care for the sickest patients.
Javits was not a full-service hospital (think field hospital set up in a convention center). We provided approximately 4,700 hospital bed-days of relief to local NYC hospitals during our mission. Most of our patients got better and were discharged home, which was definitely cause for celebration.
The public health conditions of NYC are very different from Sheridan, WY. Population density, social determinants of health, and Health Care Systems all look quite different here. Retrospectively, it appears that COVID has not had community spread in Sheridan, even though we have had a few cases. When community spread occurs, we will likely see more cases and some hospitalized patients. I feel Sheridan County is prepared for community spread, if and when it occurs. If it does occur, we will need to protect each other (and vulnerable people) using the same tactics we have been employing so far, wearing facemasks in public, practicing frequent hand hygiene, and being tested if we have COVID symptoms.
Because someone can be sick with little to no symptoms (asymptomatic), they can spread COVID to other people unknowingly. It is also known that there is a pre-symptomatic phase of COVID when you can spread the virus unknowingly. This is why my family will wear a facemask, even if we feel well, to help reduce the spread of COVID. This was especially important in NYC with such a high prevalence of COVID and high population density.
I am overjoyed to be back home in Sheridan. I missed my family, friends and community desperately. Your support while I was gone meant the world to my family and me. I appreciate you all so much.
Cheryl Varner, M.D.
Sheridan Memorial Hospital Ear Nose and Throat
June 18-24 — National Certified Nursing Assistants Week
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide intimate, hands-on healthcare to patients. A day in the life of a CNA might include taking patients temperature, blood pressure, and other vital signs, helping with bathing, dressing and the basic activities of life.
According to Lacey Johnson, Director of Nursing, “At Sheridan Memorial Hospital, our CNAs, are really the heart of our patient care areas. They are at the bedside providing hands-on care to our patients – assisting the nurses with many, many responsibilities. CNAs play an important role in the patient care team — answering the patient’s questions and responding to their needs. Quite a few of our CNAs perform a dual role as unit clerks, managing information and communication within their departments. We thank them for the care they provide round the clock every day!”
We caught up with a few of our long-time CNAs – here’s what we found out about them:
Ronnie Munroe – Patient Safety
Ronnie has worked in healthcare for nearly 32 years, 12 of those as a CNA at SMH. She worked on Med/Surg and sometimes in ICU and now has changed roles a bit, currently working in patient safety – helping to prevent injuries.
She has always liked to help people and enjoys interacting with staff and patients. Over the years Ronnie has loved getting to know her patients and would to do anything she could to make their day better. “If they were craving something and weren’t on a special diet, I might bring them something from home. Or if someone was down, I would go to the gift shop and get them a little something.”
Ronnie says that sometimes patients would say they would like to pay me. I would ask them to smile and then say “paid in full” — my payment was their smile.”
Looking back, one of her most memorable moments at SMH was when Ronnie had her first code, “She was a patient I had taken care of before. Helping assist with that code and getting her back was awesome!”
Another fond time at SMH was when Ronnie impersonated Elvis Presley for the hand hygiene talent contest.
Cris Sears – Emergency Department
Cris has worked at SMH for nearly 35 years as a CNA and as a Unit Coordinator. She’s worked in every department, but has spent most of her time in the Emergency Department.
“I love taking care of people – patient care. And the different things I’ve seen and the people I’ve met. I love it and wouldn’t change one thing about it. I like the hands-on, taking care of people. Through the years I’ve met so many people and enjoy hearing their stories,” Cris says.
Cris says that between the employees and the people she has taken care of, she can’t even try to count the memorable moments at SMH. She recalls that when she started at SMH she was the young one – but that’s changed now.
Sue Bohm – Women’s Health
Sue says that SMH is her home – where she’s worked as a CNA for 40 ½ years! But that wasn’t the beginning of her healthcare career, she first worked at Eventide (now Sheridan Manor) back in 1976.
Even though Sue says she always swore she didn’t want to work in healthcare — she says what brought her to the profession was her aunt, who is now 82 years old and still teaches CNAs the “old ways.”
Sue says, “I just applied to Eventide and have been at it ever since. At SMH I have worked on Med/Surg when it was on 3rd floor, in Central Supply and then in Women’s Health for the majority of the years.” Sue plans to retire this summer.
Thinking back, Sue remembers a 5 year old patient who was in the hospital for quite some time. She had cancer and the staff would play with her and make her laugh so hard she would cry. They even got her a puppy and gave it to her just a few days before she passed away. That was back in the old building.
Sue feels that the people she works with are her family – she loves them and has fond memories of monthly birthday parties for staff.
Sandy Boll – Recovery Room
Sandy has been at SMH for over 18 years working as a CNA and a Unit Coordinator. She’s been in many departments including Med/Surg, Emergency Department, ICU, Women’s Health, Transitional Care and now in Outpatient Surgery. Her healthcare career didn’t start at SMH though. Sandy worked in a nursing home in Nebraska for 10 years – starting at age 18. Then she worked as a CNA at RENEW for 5 years before coming to SMH.
She has many fond memories of SMH – like the first day of the EMR go-live and the first day of the new Emergency Department with two helicopters coming and going.
Sandy truly enjoys helping people even if they are going through rough times. “I like knowing I can make a difference, no matter how small, in the patients and family’s lives.”
“I absolutely love this hospital. I have the opportunity to get to know the wonderful people of our community and also to build relationships with the doctors and nurses here. I’ve enjoyed watching the growth and progress that the hospital has made. Providing the best care for our patients and community,” Sandy says.
By Kristi Ramsey, RN, BSN, RCIS, CVRN – Sheridan Memorial Hospital Cath Lab Manager
The connection between diabetes and the heart starts with high blood sugar levels. Over time, those high sugar levels cause the arteries in the body to become hard and stiff. The less pliable the arteries are the greater chance for fatty deposits to build upon the inside of the vessel wall. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. These fatty deposits are also commonly called plaque buildup. The plaque can build upon itself to the point where it can completely stop blood flow to the heart muscle.
How can the heart be protected against other diseases such as diabetes?
- Maintain a normal blood pressure: less than or equal to 120/80 mmHg
- Keep Cholesterol in check – Normal range is less than or equal to 100mg/dl
- Stay in optimal weight range for your age and stature
- Be physically active: recommendation is 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week
- Keep Blood sugars in normal range: Fasting <100; Before meal : 70-130
- Kick the habit of smoking and drinking alcohol
Some facts about diabetes:
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-and-heart.html
Sheridan Memorial Hospital is hosting a free drive-by Glucose Screening on Tuesday, June 30th. If you would like your glucose checked, just come to the employee parking lot outside of the cafeteria on June 30th from 9am to 1pm. Appointments are not necessary. No need to get out of your vehicle – just follow the signs and look for the tent in the parking lot on the North side of the hospital cafeteria. Health care professionals will be out there to give you a quick glucose test. They will also provide healthy heart information on living with heart disease and a handout on how to use your dinner plate format to help you plan healthy meals.
We do ask that wear a face covering when you come and if you are not feeling well that day, please stay at home.
As the initial shock of the COVID-19 Pandemic winds down and we begin to adjust to our new normal, we at Sheridan Memorial Hospital wanted to reflect on an outstanding member of the community who helped to ease our burdens during these trying times. So begins the story of Andy Quinn and his desire to do a half marathon, with 100 pounds on his back, to help our community remain WYO Strong.
Andy Quinn began his 2020 spring break like the rest of his peers, excited for some much-needed rest and relaxation but simmered by the expectation of returning to campus in little over a week to complete the latter half of his spring semester. By the end of spring break, however, Andy was shocked to find out that he was getting an extended break and would most likely not be returning to campus. On top of that, he was also disappointed to find that The Mickelson Trail Marathon, an event which he had endured rigorous training for, was canceled because of the pandemic. Now Andy would spend the rest of his semester living at home, helping on the family ranch, and engaging in online courses.
With newfound free time, Andy began to spend more and more time enjoying the great outdoors. However, when his father, Anthony Quinn of Sheridan Orthopedic Associates, started coming home from work early due to the restrictions of elective surgeries, Andy recognized the realities of the pandemic and wanted to help. In talking with his father, Andy realized that the repercussions of COVID19 had a severe financial impact on Sheridan Memorial Hospital and its employees, “I just wanted people to be able to keep working and helping people. I shadowed doctors and surgeries at SMH and just spent a lot of time milling around Sheridan Memorial Hospital in High School. It’s hard not to want to give back.”
With that, Andy started searching for ways that he could help and, in the process, was able to find a way to merge his desire to raise funds for the hospital and participate in a marathon, an opportunity he thought he missed with the cancellation of the Mickelson Trail Marathon. With help from The Foundation’s Director of Donor Relations Ada Kirven and their partners at WYO Timing, Andy was able to participate in the WYO Strong Virtual Race benefiting The Foundation at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Now, all that Andy had left to do was to train and do a half marathon while carrying 100 pounds on his back, a feat that he had never attempted before. Luckily, his father was there to help get him ready. “We trained by looking for elk horns over long distances, and if we were lucky, we would have weight added at the end. My dad was instrumental in motivating me and was always willing to help train outside with me. And to be honest? I think he could probably still do more than I could.”
After many hours of hiking and training with his father, Andy was ready to grab some weights and run. He strapped 100 pounds to his back and started his half marathon, only stopping to repair a strap, which tore under the 100 pounds of weight as soon as his journey began. Andy recounted that his biggest challenge was not with the physical struggle he was enduring, but instead, he found the more significant test to be mental. “Having to actively think about what I was doing throughout the entire half marathon, analyzing how the extreme weight was distributed between my legs and how it was affecting how sore my legs were becoming, that was the biggest challenge.” Nevertheless, Andy persevered, and after carrying 100 pounds up hills and through canyons for 13 grueling miles, he finished his race.
Andy’s leadership and tenacity lead to donations of over $7,500 to his own personal WYO Strong fundraising efforts. Thanks to Andy’s effort and example, 65 others were inspired to take part in individual WYO Strong races, helping to raise nearly $10,000 in donations for the COVID-19 Care Fund & Greatest Needs at Sheridan Memorial Hospital.
“We truly appreciate that Andy was so willing to dedicate his time and energy to help support our community and to take some weight off of other’s shoulders – quite literally,” says Director of Donor Relations Ada Kirven. “Young people like Andy creatively supporting these efforts are the types of contributions that will ensure our community has excellent patient care available to us well into our future and theirs. It ensures our community stays WYO Strong.”
From everyone here at Sheridan Memorial Hospital, we would like to say thank you to Andy and all those who ran and helped to raise money for SMH in these trying times. Thank you for taking the future of our community into your own hands, thank you for making this community the best the world has ever seen, and thank you for being the Heart of Our Community.
If you have a dad, know a dad or are a dad… this is important. With Father’s Day coming up this Sunday, it is the perfect time to celebrate Dad. Now we all know the stereotype that men don’t like going to the doctor. However, it is necessary and best to do preventative maintenance before restorative maintenance is “required.” Ask any car guy and the advice will be the same. As they say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
So these health tips are focused on good ‘ol Dad. Let’s help breakdown the stereotype.
Schedule an Annual Checkup
The most preventative part of preventative healthcare. An annual checkup will cover from head to toe and everything in between. Even if you feel fine, consistent checkups and screenings are vital to protect your health. Find a primary care physician and be an active part of your healthcare plan going forward.
Make Sleep a Priority
Based on some research, up to 25% of men are sleep-deprived. Sleep deprivation can be linked to obesity, heart disease, depression and diabetes. Getting those eight hours a night can really work to improve work performance and your body’s ability to fight disease.
Eat Healthy
Today’s fast-paced society lends itself to fast-paced meals that are easy to acquire. This leads to too many fatty foods and drinks loaded with sugar. A little meal pre-planning and you can find yourself eating more fruits, veggies and lean proteins, which will make all the difference in your daily routine.
Unplug to De-Stress
While small amounts of stress can get you moving and help you complete a project, too much stress is hard on the body and mind. Find time to get away from the screens in your life (computer, phone). Go for a hike, take the kids fishing, enjoy a picnic with the family. This time away will not only help you come back refreshed, but also help with the most important social connections in your life.
Exercise
We’ve all heard it at some point… the benefits of exercise are tremendously helpful. It helps reduce the chances of heart attack, stroke, diabetes and host of other “issues” that can crop up. Exercise can also help you sleep better (see above). Even if you can only get in 30 minutes a day, that’s 2.5 hours per week, or 130 hours per year. Moreover, you are probably already getting some of this time in through yard work, shoveling snow, or other chores around the house.
Obviously, the key to all of this is to work on making habitual choices to improve your health. Healthy habits lead to longer lives with the ones we love.
Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) continues to maintain readiness to care for our community throughout the COVID pandemic. Ensuring that SMH has the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and taking the necessary precautions to keep patients and visitors safe remains a top priority. The hospital continues to work with County, State and CDC guidelines to follow proper protocols and preparations as things change, but it is the cooperation and care shown by our community that continues to motivate our employees to meet our mission.
To date, almost 7,000 masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) items have been donated to SMH. The majority of the donated homemade masks have been provided to patients to keep and use as they move about the community. To maintain a healthy inventory of PPE, SMH constantly reviews their processes and updates them as needed. These processes include:
- Upon entering an SMH facility, all patients, visitors and employees are screened and required to wear a face covering.
- NEW Process – Patients and visitors are asked to bring their own face covering from home (mask, bandana, scarf, etc.). If they don’t have one with them, one will be provided for the duration of their appointment. It will then be collected, laundered and re-issued. Used face covering bins are located at each entrance.
- SMH employees will launder and re-use their own masks daily.
Kennon Products of Sheridan, a proud partner of The Hospital Foundation, is manufacturing mask kits that include both fabric and elastic materials to make 10 homemade masks for SMH patients, visitors, and staff not in direct patient contact. If you are willing to pick up one or more of these kits to sew and bring back to the hospital, please contact Jasmine Slater at jasmineslater@sheridanhospital.org or 675.2620 to set up curbside pick-up of these kits.
“We understand this is a fluid situation and we are working hard to be proactive,” said Dr. John Addlesperger, Chief Medical Officer. “We can’t thank our community enough for giving of their time, effort and resources.”
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Since March 23, Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) has had a no visitation policy with the goal of protecting patients and employees during the COVID pandemic. As the community begins to open back up and restrictions are loosened, the visitation policy is being updated.
“We want to be sure we are accommodating our patients, their families and our employees in the best, safest way possible,” said Barb Hespen, Chief Nursing Officer.
SMH is currently monitoring COVID-19 cases in Sheridan County on a daily basis along with the availability of staffing, supplies and equipment.
Updates to the visitation policy include:
- Upon entering an SMH facility, all patients, visitors and employees are screened and required to wear a face covering.
- All patients receiving care in the hospital will be allowed one visitor, pediatric patients will be allowed both parents
- OB patients in the birthing unit will be allowed one support person.
- OB patients in OR for C-section will be allowed one support person (as allowed by surgeon and anesthesiologist).
- OB ultrasound patients will be allowed one support person.
- Patients having surgery or outpatient procedure will be allowed one support person.
- Patients in outpatient settings with sensory and/or cognitive deficits needing a caregiver to assist physician with history and/or a driver/caregiver to take patient home after surgery.
- Patients at the end of life will be allowed one support person.
- All support persons/visitors will be screened for symptoms of illness and will not be allowed to visit if symptoms of illness are present. Visitors will have limited movement within the hospital, mostly staying in the patient’s room.
- Each clinic will give specific instructions whether visitors are allowed at the time of a patient’s visit.
“While we continue to limit the number of visitors allowed during a patient’s visit, under certain circumstances special consideration may be given with physician guidance,” said Hespen, “This continues to be a fluid situation and we are working to be proactive and follow CDC and State of Wyoming Department of Health guidelines to keep our patients and employees safe.”
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At Sheridan Memorial Hospital volunteers are an integral part of our daily routine. During National Volunteer Week in April, we were pleased to honor the over 100 hardworking individuals who give us their time and talents every day. During these extraordinary times, we have asked most of our “regular” volunteers to stay safe at home. We thank them for their service and we miss their smiling faces. We can’t wait for them to come back to us.
Right now we have a call out for a different kind of volunteer — health care professionals who can help us care for patients in anticipation of a surge in hospitalized patients due to COVID-19.
Regardless of the kind of volunteer, we truly appreciate their commitment of personal time and energy to make a difference in the lives of others. Many people volunteer with the intention to help those in need, most times not thinking about what’s in it for them. But there are health benefits associated with volunteering that are good for the mind and body. The Mayo Clinic and Franciscan Health System suggest that volunteering offers many health benefits from lowering stress to boosting self-confidence.
Reduce stress, anger, anxiety
Volunteering may enhance a person’s social networks to lower stress and reduce the risk of disease. It can create a sense of meaning and appreciation, which can have a stress-reducing effect. The social contact aspect of helping and working with others can have an effect on a person’s overall psychological well-being. Nothing relieves stress better than a meaningful connection to another person.
Decrease risk of depression
Volunteering leads to lower rates of depression because people are in regular contact with others. Volunteering increases social interaction and helps build a support system based on common interests — both of which have been shown to decrease depression.
Stay mentally, physically active
Volunteer activities help people stay physically and mentally active — getting people moving and thinking at the same time. Older volunteers tend to walk more, find it easier to cope with everyday tasks and stressors, are less likely to develop high blood pressure, and have better-thinking skills. Volunteering can also lessen symptoms of chronic pain and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Increase happiness
Volunteering gives a sense of purpose. Researchers have measured hormones and brain activity of volunteers and discovered that being helpful to others delivers pleasure. Human beings are hard-wired to give to others. The more we give, the happier we feel. The more meaning people feel in their lives, the more likely they are to stay healthy.
Make new friends
Volunteering helps people meet others and develop new relationships. One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to participate in a shared activity. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people with common interests as well as expand a person’s network.
We are so thankful to our incredible volunteers and to our amazing community for the outpouring of support we have received.
Cody Sinclair is the Chief Development Officer at Sheridan Memorial Hospital.
Sheridan Memorial Hospital and The Foundation continue to be humbled by the generous offers of support from every corner of Sheridan County and beyond. In every monetary contribution, in-kind gift, expression of support, selfless donation of your supplies, meals for our staff, or Thank You, we find the heart of our community in each of you. To all those who have donated, contributed, shared, and assisted – Thank You for all the work you have already done to make a difference. Our staff is proud to serve each of you and provide you with excellent patient centered-care right here in our community. This place truly is unlike any other, and we are proud to call it home.
Below we add the additional selfless individuals, businesses, volunteers, Foundations, and corporations to our growing list of those who have offered a helping hand to Sheridan Memorial Hospital and the community we serve. Sheridan Memorial Hospital staff appreciates your willingness to help keep one another safe and healthy now and into the future.
by Melanie Aksamit, Process Improvement Coordinator, and Kristopher Schamber, MD – both of Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Internal Medicine Practice.
Tele-health. Tele-medicine. Zoom. These are terms that have been thrown around frequently in the last few months. Chances are you have either experienced one of these or know someone who has.
But what do the terms mean? Tele-health and Tele-medicine are synonymous terms given to medical care visits performed through the internet via video and audio software on a computer, smartphone, or tablet. These visits are also sometimes called virtual house calls or video visits. During these visits, you and your medical provider can see and hear each other throughout your appointment.
While a traditional in-person office visit cannot be fully replaced by telehealth visits, there are many medical conditions and appointment types that can be seen in this way. Medication follow-up, mental health, and chronic stable medical conditions can all be safely discussed during a video visit. Some conditions simply cannot be evaluated in a video visit. These include serious conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and breathing problems, or a condition that requires a physical examination. When you call to schedule an appointment, your care team will help you determine if you need to be seen in person.
During the current COVID-19 pandemic, a video visit can be a great way to see your medical provider, while staying safe in the comfort of your own home. The visits function the same basic way that your in-person visits do. A care team member will confirm your appointment, request a video visit in place of the standard office visit if appropriate, and review the necessary requirements to participate in a video visit. If you do not feel comfortable or do not have the technology to join a video visit, a telephone visit will be set up in its place. You will be sent an email containing the link to join the visit and detailed instructions on how to work the Zoom video visit program. On the day of your video visit, the office staff will call you prior to your appointment start time and confirm that you are ready, and assist you with getting online with your care team. Once it is confirmed that you are good to go, a nursing staff member will join you, and review the reason for the visit and confirm the medications you are taking. The medical provider will then join you as soon as they are finished with their prior appointment. Your provider will ask questions and discuss your concerns similar to a standard in-person visit. He or she may ask for home blood pressure measurements, or ask to view the problem area over the video, if appropriate to do so (for example, a skin rash, area of swelling, or even observe you walk). At the end of your visit, your provider will review your care plan as usual, and the nursing staff member will ensure all testing has been ordered and other medical visits have been scheduled.
A telehealth video visit can be a scary proposition when experiencing it for the first time. However, once you are connected it feels a lot like a regular office visit. If you struggle with the Zoom program when testing it prior to your visit, please call our office and we will be happy to help walk you through it. We also encourage you to have a family member or caregiver assist you, and if possible stay close by or join you during your visit.
Due to special circumstances with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are fortunate to provide this service to our patients. In the past, due to regulations, we have not been able to. If you access telehealth video visits and find the service useful and positive, please contact your local, state, and federal legislators to inform them of your experience so they might consider supporting modifications to telehealth regulations long term.
The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation stands alongside Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) to ensure we are providing necessary resources to support all efforts to keep our community safe and healthy. The Foundation created a COVID-19 Care Fund to provide essential resources to support the COVID-19 planning and preparation for our community. On Tuesday, April 28, The Foundation Board of Directors approved $165,000 toward COVID-19 support for SMH.
This funding will go towards setup for current and future testing, surge planning, purchasing additional personal protective equipment (PPE), respiratory equipment, training, and other professional resources to support the preparations to care for COVID-19 patients. The Homer and Mildred Scott Foundation led these efforts with an original gift of $10,000 for PPE and support for the partnership with Kennon to produce masks and gowns. Additionally, the generosity of an anonymous donor funded the purchase of two refurbished ventilators, already in use at our hospital.
In addition to April’s substantial contribution, in late March the Foundation Board also approved $50,000 of additional funding for new technology and testing equipment for the SMH lab. The BioFire FilmArray analyzer is an industry-leading technology, used in the diagnostics of infectious disease. The new equipment provides fast results and improves patient care. The Foundation’s membership and annual donor contributions supported the purchase.
To date, over 250 individuals, families, and corporations have donated their time, products, and services to support the COVID-19 Care Fund. In every contribution, in-kind gift, expression of support, selfless donation of supplies, meals for our staff, we find the heart of our community.
“The Foundation Board & Staff, on behalf of the entire hospital team, extend their gratitude to community members and donors of Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation,” says Director of Donor Relations Ada Kirven. “These individuals and organizations, and so many who stepped up in this time of need to contribute faithfully, understand the importance of our community hospital and its ability to provide safe, excellent patient care for all every day. They’ve enabled these vital projects and purchases to happen quickly during such a critical time. We are truly humbled.”
Billings, MT.—April 22, 2020—Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming (GSMW) donated Girl Scout Cookies to Sheridan Memorial Hospital on April 23rd in an effort to provide a bright spot in the lives of healthcare workers during this pandemic.
Location: Sheridan Memorial Hospital, Downtown Location, 61 S. Gould Street
Date/Time: Thursday, April 23rd at 2:30 PM
“It’s our hope that these 600 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies gives healthcare workers a sweet treat while letting them know they are appreciated and thought of during this challenging time,” according to Kristi Osterlund, Marketing and Communications Manager for GSMW.
The organization will be donating 8,000 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies to 13 major hospitals in Montana and Wyoming this month.
While the movement of Girl Scout Cookies by girls and their families is currently on hold, it’s important to note that the Girl Scout Cookie Program is not canceled. Out of safety for the Girl Scouts, their families, and communities, GSMW suspended all in-person delivery, in-person selling, and all cookie booths effective March 20. Those activities will resume when it is deemed safe for the girls to do so.
Typically, pre-ordered Girl Scout Cookies would have been delivered to customers by now, however, the pandemic has halted that for the time being. For those who pre-ordered Girl Scout Cookies, GSMW assures customers will receive your orders as soon as it is deemed safe for girls to do deliver. At that time, Girl Scout troops will be making additional cookie donations to their Hometown Heroes of choice as well.
For those who want Girl Scout cookies sooner, they can buy online today and have them shipped to their door in about 5 to 10 days—or donate cookies and they’ll be distributed safely to provide comfort to first responders, volunteers, and local causes in need. Girl Scouts encourages the public to: Eat. Share. Show Communities We Care. Folks can contact the Girl Scout in their life or visit www.girlscouts.org/cookiecare and enter their zip code to purchase or donate.
Girl Scouts remains relevant for girls during this time by providing additional activities and virtual programs for girls to learn skills and earn badges. Check out these activities and more at http://www.gsmw.org under Virtual Programs.
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Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming (GSMW) membership consists of more than 9,200 girls and 3,000 adults with national membership at 2.5 million. To join or become a volunteer please visit www.gsmw.org to learn more or call 800-736-5243.
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Many of our volunteers were very involved and well known as staff members before becoming SMH volunteers. They then want to stay active and involved with coworkers who have essentially become a staple or part of their lives. People become a family at Sheridan Memorial Hospital and that is hard to let go of.
“The hospital is in my blood. I just can’t leave. I didn’t want to work forever but now I can hang out and see people I know. Every time I’m working I see someone I know or used to work with,” said Jill Mitchell, a former Med Tech and current Auxiliary Board volunteer.
“I love the hospital and still wanted to be a part of it. It
was hard to think about not seeing people,” said Karen Steir, who served as a
nurse at SMH for 44 years. She retired on a Sunday and started volunteering on
a Monday.
“I guess my philosophy is that a medical community is always a tremendously
important entity in any community. I was always proud to serve in that capacity
and the people at the hospital. I am proud of the work we’re doing,” said Tom
Nance, who worked in Radiology for 40 years before becoming a volunteer.
The hospital has many different jobs for volunteers to fill their time and can
make adjustments for their schedules. As volunteers, former employees are able
to play an integral part in events that are near and dear to their hearts.
“I enjoy all the opportunities available like helping with the Kozy Korner, Surgical Waiting Room, Decorating, and the 5 Year Old Birthday Party,” Said Steir.
Employees who become volunteers are able to see and appreciate all of the changes SMH has made overtime.
“With the overall expansion we’ve experienced as a hospital I’ve seen a lot of change. I started here when it was one singular building. I remember, the Cafeteria entrance, 100 yards North of that was just tree line and pasture. Some brought lunch and would go out into the trees. Things have grown around us so quickly,” said Nance.
Volunteering is a great way for former employees to still be involved at a place they’ve grown to call home.
“If you want to have a volunteer job, the hospital is the best place to be. I wouldn’t trade it for anywhere else. I love getting to deliver papers and then going on to the Gift Shop to get to see people. It’s hard to just give up the place that you’ve been for so long. There’s a lot of new faces but it’s nice to get to be involved even when things are changing,” said Mitchell.
Sheridan Memorial Hospital was thankful to have these amazing individuals as employees and we are very grateful to have them as volunteers now.
“One thing I truly cherish about our volunteers is their desire to help others. They are one of our organization’s greatest ambassadors as some of them have been here longer than people who are retiring. Volunteers who were past employees tend to carry the rich tradition and history of our hospital with them in their daily interactions, while helping Sheridan Memorial Hospital thrive into the future. The stories they tell and the support they provide to me as their Coordinator is one of my favorite things about being here. I appreciate their dedication to SMH and reminds me every day to lead with pride and gratitude for the culture we have. I want to become just like them when I grow up, wanting to give my time and talents to a place that was a catalyst of my career and is considered my second home,” said Volunteer Coordinator, Jasmine Slater.
We can’t celebrate National Volunteer Month without honoring the amazing woman who has volunteered at SMH for 30 years, Barb Sare. We visited with Barb to discuss her inspiring volunteer experience.
After retiring in 1990, Barb’s volunteer experience began in the SMH Surgical Waiting room.
“The waiting room is where I started and still serve. When anything else comes up I’m more than happy to help. It has changed a lot over the years too, a tiny room has grown and changed, but the same core tasks remain,” said Sare.
The most rewarding part of volunteering for Barb has been the people.
“I always have been pretty good with people and it’s nice to be with families all the time. Sometimes nothing noteworthy happens and you don’t talk to people much. Other days you’re visiting all the time. I enjoy being around people and being there when/if they need you. Being in the public and doing a public service,” said Sare.
Barb not only supports SMH in the Surgical Waiting Room, but in Foundation efforts and events held each year. Barb has participated in The Link every year since its inception and has yet to walk alone.
“I would walk alone if I had to because I enjoy the event so much, but I’ve never had to! With children & grandchildren all across the country, it’s a special memory and fun tradition to get to walk alongside all of them at some point. Even my granddaughter living in Australia joined me one year,” said Sare. “One of my great-granddaughters was born in April and by October she was participating in her first Link Event at 6 months old. This past year, all 4 generations came back together to share in the event, with her as a second grader.”
“Volunteers like Barb make Sheridan Memorial Hospital the organization it is today. She is engaged and passionate and comes back each shift with a smile and willingness to help wherever she can. Individuals that are dedicated to serving our mission with kindness and respect is what most organizations dream of in a volunteer. Barb is all of that and more,” said SMH Volunteer Coordinator, Jasmine Slater.
Having just celebrated her 90th birthday last month, and 30 years of service to SMH, it is no secret why we seek advice from her on volunteering and living life to the fullest.
“If anything helps you as you age, I recommend keeping busy. It’s good for my health and good for me to be around people and keep up on things.”
Barb, Thank You for all you do to serve our community, patients, and staff at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. We are so lucky to be celebrating this year of milestones with you!
As we
celebrate all of our volunteers, we would like to recognize a group that serves
a very important purpose at SMH, our hospice volunteers. Hospice volunteers are
a pivotal part of our hospital team and our organization’s ability to provide
continuity of care throughout one’s life. We had a chance to visit with volunteer
Janet Twohey about her hospice volunteer experience and hope it helps you all
understand and appreciate their role as much as we do.
Janet was inspired to start her hospice volunteer journey for a reason that is
near and dear to heart.
“My father’s death is why I became a volunteer. I had just moved to Sheridan and he lived in California so I couldn’t be there very much. I was really grateful for all the people that came in and helped and took care of my father. After my father died I knew it was something that he would like so that’s what I did,” said Twohey.
Janet started in 2016 and her experience has been a rewarding and positive one.
“It’s been really positive and I’ve learned so much from the people the hospice patients. They have wonderful things to say and when they look at you when you’re saying or answering something and they just grin at you, It just feels great,” said Twohey. “Also the caregivers are wonderful. They love these people so much and they just want things to be ok for them. It can definitely be draining at times but by and large it has been wonderful.”
The process for becoming a hospice volunteer consists of lectures and interactive training. Janet emphasized the importance and need for hospice volunteers and how anyone can do it.
“You’re not expected to be an experience medical provider.
You’re really there to provide a break to the caregiver because they’re the ones
that frequently don’t have a chance to go out shopping or to take a walk by
themselves. You’re there to give them a moment where they’re not having to
worry about whether or not their loved one is ok,” said Twohey.
Janet is passionate about helping others and hopes that by doing this interview
more people will be inspired to become hospice volunteers.
“I believe if more people understood that it’s very doable, really needed, and
how rewarding it is that more people would do it. I would strongly encourage
anyone to do it. You don’t have to have any special expertise, you just have to
have the ability to be there,” said Twohey.
Our hospice volunteers are a unique group of individuals. Their ability to connect with patients and their families is truly remarkable and makes all the difference in one’s experience through the Hospice and the bereavement journey. Thank you, Janet! We appreciate everything you do for Sheridan Memorial Hospital, our patients, and their families!
April is National Volunteer Month and Sheridan Memorial Hospital is thankful for all of our wonderful volunteers. This month we’re highlighting one of the newest members of the SMH volunteer family, Aaron Jensen.
After graduating from high school in 2019, Aaron chose SMH for his Service Mission.
“During a Service Mission you spend 2 years of your life going out and volunteering,” said Jensen. “You spend that time trying to be the best person you can be and helping people.”
Aaron wants to go to school to become a doctor and SMH seemed like a great place to get into the medical field.
“It always seemed like a nice place and I always enjoyed myself when I was there for personal reasons,” said Jensen. “It seemed like a good place to go where I could help and it has been wonderful.”
The culture of kindness has impacted him during his time at the hospital.
“They have this culture of kindness here and when I first started I thought it was more for the patients and visitors, but the longer I’ve been here I’ve realized that it’s for everyone. It’s one of the best parts about working here. Being new here can be stressful, the hospital is busy and there’s a lot going on, but everyone is really welcoming. Everyone is nice, smiles at you in the hallway, and makes it feel like this is a place you can call home and go to work at,” said Jensen.
There are many things that he enjoys about volunteering at SMH but just being able to help others has been his favorite part.
“Just being able to make people happy. It’s been nice to help lighten people’s loads and bring a little joy into people’s lives. It makes it feel worthwhile to know that I’m making people’s days a little bit brighter,” said Jensen.
When asked what he would tell someone who is considering volunteering at SMH his answer was simple, just do it.
“Do it. There are no cons and everyone is super understanding and they are really appreciative of any help that you can give,” said Jensen.
SMH is thankful to have Aaron as a part of our family and we can’t wait to see what he does during his time here.
“I’m looking forward to being able to become a part of the hospital, get to know people, and make friends,” said Jensen. “I want to make the patients and people who work here just a little bit happier.”
April 24, 2020
Communities around the world are facing extreme circumstances and ranges of emotion as we experience the realities of COVID-19. Many of us turn to the news to compare reports and statistics of each state and the impacts of the virus around us. It is in these very moments that we find ourselves fortunate to live in this community. The individuals and businesses across Sheridan County, and beyond, have offered support, nourishment, and protection to the staff and patients of Sheridan Memorial Hospital. In these times of uncertainty, we continue to look for the silver lining wherever we can. Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s staff feels infinite gratitude for this community – our home.
From the individuals who committed resources to the production of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the small businesses who make every effort to provide our team with a smile – even when you are struggling to get by yourselves – we find the heart of this community. In every monetary contribution, in-kind gift, expression of support, selfless donation of your supplies, meals for our staff, or Thank You, we find the heart of our community in every one of you.
Sheridan Memorial Hospital continues to receive generous offers of support from every corner of Sheridan County and beyond. Below are some of the selfless individuals, businesses, volunteers, Foundations, and corporations who have offered a helping hand since this journey of COVID-19 uncertainty began here in Sheridan County over a month ago. When we have gotten through this together, we will owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the Sheridan Community. In the meantime, from all of us at Sheridan Memorial Hospital and the community we serve – Thank You. The heart of our community is in every one of you.
For more details on the efforts of Sheridan Memorial Hospital and The Foundation to support COVID-19 relief efforts, please Click Here.
These photographs of our SMH Team Members were taken prior to the required use of social distancing and masks.
Federal, state, and local leaders as well as leaders in the healthcare industry have been asking a lot from our citizens during this outbreak of COVID-19… and the latest results are showing some positive movement in flattening the curve of COVID infections over the past few weeks in Sheridan County and Wyoming. This is all due to the diligence of our community members to socially distance themselves and follow the guidelines that have been put forth to slow the spread of this virus.
While this positive trend is amazing to see, it is important that we maintain our efforts. Don’t let up now. We can all stay vigilant and do our part to make a difference. The staff at Sheridan Memorial Hospital join essential workers across the country and throughout the world in requesting all nonessential personnel stay home to help keep our community safe.
Communities around the world are facing extreme circumstances and ranges of emotion as we experience the realities of COVID-19. Many of us turn to the news to compare reports and statistics of each state and the impacts of the virus around us. We wonder how long we will need to stay home and keep social distancing. How long will we need to find things to keep us occupied and our minds off the uncertainty around us?
We may be trying movie marathons, making new recipes, and reading books that have been collecting dust on shelves. We are embracing technology, education, and each other. We continue to wave at each other from our cars, to enjoy FaceTime calls and Zoom family reunions. Our community will find the silver lining in this situation, wherever we can.
Tomorrow, and in the days to come, we ask our community to continue to stay home and make every effort to socially distance ourselves. Sheridan Memorial Hospital healthcare workers – your neighbors, family, and friends – thank you for your continued effort to keep our community healthy.
