News and Community

From left to right:  ICU Clinical Staff Members:  Beverly Osborne, Lyndsey Nero, Lynn Grady, Alaina Bergstrom, Kat Condos

To advance healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes in our rural area, Sheridan Memorial Hospital recently installed new telehealth communication equipment in its Intensive Care Unit (ICU).  According to the American Hospital Association, telehealth solutions empower local physicians through access to specialists who work in partnership on diagnosis and a patient’s individual treatment plan.  The addition was made possible thanks to philanthropy and gifts from our generous community.

Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Addlesperger explains further, “This technology and a collaborative agreement with the Billings Clinic will enable our hospitalist physicians to consult with the critical care specialists in the Billings Clinic ICU.  The Billings Clinic physicians will be able to access our electronic medical records to review our ICU patients’ lab, x-ray and medical notes, as well as see and interact with the patient and the attending physician here in Sheridan through the telemedicine device. We believe this arrangement will ensure the best possible care for the most critically ill patients in Sheridan.  It allows patients who might otherwise have been transferred to Billings the opportunity to remain in Sheridan, close to their loved ones, avoiding the stress of being transported.  And, for those few patients who may need a higher level of care at the Billings Clinic, it will provide a more seamless transition of care.” 

To learn more about the Foundation and how you can help make an impact right here in Sheridan, click here.

May 22, 2019

On May 6th a new Nurse of the Year and Friend of Nursing were named during National Nurses Week.

Each year, Sheridan Memorial Hospital celebrates nurse’s week with several traditions. One of them is presenting two awards to outstanding staff: Nurse of the Year Award and Friend of Nursing Award. On May sixth an award ceremony was held in SMH and Chief Nursing Officer, Barbara Hespen presented the awards. These awards are given with the intent of recognizing outstanding professionals.

Nominations for the Friend of Nursing award are submitted by employees who want to recognize a non-nursing peer for their work in communication, attitude, responsiveness, and engagement as it relates to nursing.

Individuals Nominated for the Friend of Nursing Award were:
•    Nancy Rexroat
•    Bryan Opitz
•    Megan Sexton
•    Stephanie Williams
•    Amber Clearwater
•    Peri Sorensen
•    Anthony Aiello

The winning nominee’s application read, “This person is incredibly kind and easy to work with. Never has a “not my Job” attitude, working on many tasks that are not listed in their job description. Works very well with nursing professionals; checks in with nursing staff and “has their back” always done with kindness and respect. Every time a new employee is toured through the unit, and this person is present; they always greet them with a welcoming attitude and speak highly of the hospital and staff. It is amazing how the efforts of one individual can truly make a difference in how the unit runs. I think that we would all be lost without this person on our team.”

The 2019 winner of Friend of Nursing is Pharmacist Bryan Opitz.

Nominations for the Nurse of the Year Award are submitted by employees who want to acknowledge a peer for their excellence in the areas of quality, service, and compassion.

Individuals Nominated for the Nurse of the Year were:
•    Mary Hanft
•    Kasey Hansen
•    Alaina Dunn
•    Kourtney McRann

This winning nominee’s application read, “This person demonstrates service excellence because she is a very knowledgeable nurse who wears many hats.  She works tirelessly to ensure patients have an excellent experience. She is seen as a resource for all staff. She owns the role of ensuring patient safety, she does what is right for the right reasons. She is meticulous in her work, making sure everything is just right. She shows compassion to her patients and co-workers every day.

The 2019 Nurse of the Year is Alaina Dunn, Cath. Lab RN.

These award winners deserve every ounce of recognition that they have received from these awards. They set the standard for medical excellence – right here at home, and they make Sheridan Memorial Hospital the best it can be for patients, employees, and community members.

Do you see yourself working with a team of outstanding nurses and friends of nursing? Consider applying for a nursing position by clicking here.

May 22, 2019

Written by Ian Hunter, MD at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Internal Medicine 

I’m often amazed by how little patients fear the thought of a significant health event such as heart attack.  In contrast, the toughest rancher’s voice will quiver with terror when considering the idea of “living through a stroke.” 

There are many different types of stroke, and the consequences of having a stroke can be devastating.  Fortunately, the treatment of this common neurologic emergency continues to advance. 

Recently Sheridan Memorial Hospital has joined in partnership with the neurologists of Wyoming Medical Center (WMC) to improve stroke care in Sheridan.  Our Emergency Department is now equipped with a TeleStroke system which is activated when patients come in with stroke symptoms.

Neurologists from WMC can provide consultation for potential stroke patients any time of day or night. Through a specialized TeleStroke monitor, the patient’s history, physical exam, and neurologic imaging can be viewed real-time. The neurology stroke specialist then determines whether stroke “clot-busting” medications can be safely given and help our Emergency Department physicians decide whether patients should be transferred to another facility for additional procedures or admitted to our ICU locally. Additionally, WMC now offers interventional radiology guided blood clot removal for selected patients with large strokes, and the on-call neurologists help facilitate this process if needed. 

One of the key predictors of a good outcome for stroke is how quickly treatment can be initiated. This partnership significantly improves the timeliness of treatment with neurology consultation, and several patient’s lives have been affected positively already.

Kelly Lieb, an Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant in the Emergency Department, cared for a patient with stroke symptoms recently.

“A male patient presented to the ER by ambulance and was identified by the paramedics as having a possible stroke,” Lieb said. “We were able to consult with Dr. David Wheeler from WMC via TeleStroke technology within minutes. He was able to view images, speak with the patient, and identify a treatment plan with us in real-time. In this case, we were able to treat the patient and manage the symptoms on an outpatient basis without admission to the hospital and without transfer to a higher level of care. In this case, we didn’t have to utilize the “clot-busting” medication, and this neurologic consultation assisted with that decision.”

David Nickerson, MD, an emergency medicine physician, states that approximately 20 people have come through the ER in the past four months where the TeleStroke system has been utilized.

“This is a very big deal for the safety of our patients,” Nickerson said. “I have had one patient whose care changed because of the WMC neurologist’s recommendations. They had an excellent outcome, and all their stroke symptoms resolved. This new TeleStroke system will continue to benefit our stroke patients.”

May 15, 2019

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced on their Hospital Compare website that Sheridan Memorial Hospital has earned a 4-star rating. The rating is based on a series of quality indicators CMS measures in their 5-star rating system. This puts SMH in the top 20% of all hospitals across the country.

According to hospital Chief Nursing Officer Barb Hespen, the hospital achieved this 4-star rating ahead of schedule.

“Originally we had a goal of attaining 4-Star status later in 2019 or early 2020. This shows the efforts we are putting into improving our processes is working,” Hespen said. “This rating is a testament to all of the hard work and dedication that is put in by our staff and physicians every day.”

Since the start of the star rating system in 2015, CMS collects and compiles data from hospitals and uses that information to assign ratings from 1-5 stars. Much of the data comes from surveys of actual patients assessing their specific experience.  CMS uses the rating system to measure multiple facets of over 4,000 hospitals across the country to drive systematic improvements in care and safety for patients. The ratings are published on the CMS hospital compare website.

The specific performance indicators include measurements related to the following areas:
–    Re-Admission Rate – the rate at which any patient is re-admitted within 30 days
–    Harm Rate – the rate of harm caused by health acquired conditions (i.e., infections, falls or injury)
–    Patient Experience – ratings based on surveys completed by patients after their visit
–    Mortality Rate – the rate of patients who die within 30 days of a hospital discharge

While SMH meets or exceeds the national average on all of these measures, above average scores were seen in the rate of Re-admission and Harm. SMH meets the national average scores for indicators related to Patient Experience and Mortality rate.

“We are doing a great job in all areas,” said Hespen, “But we can always improve, and our strategic plan helps keep us focused on these indicators, so we continue to make progress for our patients.”
According to Hespen, the current SMH strategic plan sets an even higher goal.

“We are well on our way towards our goal of earning 5-star status, which means we are doing things right for our patients and really focused on delivering excellent patient-centered care,” Hespen added.

“Achieving 4-Star status ahead of schedule is a huge step in the right direction.”

March 20, 2019

It has been an exciting month around Sheridan Memorial Hospital as the Outpatient Center (OC) is now open and ready for business. Bringing outpatient services under one roof certainly provides a more efficient opportunity for patient access and better patient care.

The most significant move in this transition was moving the Internal Medicine practice (formerly Big Horn Mountain Medicine) into the new building, and everyone seems to be settling into their new offices.

“We are really excited to be in our new offices, and our patients love it,” said Tim Grollmes, Practice Administrator for Internal Medicine. “The patient flow is very efficient, and the providers find communication is much easier having nurses right outside the patient rooms. It is a very efficient set up for the patients and providers.”

Along with Internal Medicine, the Outpatient Lab is also open in the new building.
“If patients needed any lab work done when we were in our old offices, we had to send them across the street to the hospital,” Grollmes explained. “Now patients can simply go across the hall. It is much more efficient and easier access for our patients.”

Pictured above (right to left) Chief Development Officer Cody Sinclair, Internal Medicine Practice Administrator Tim Grollmes, Foundation Board Members Vicki Jorgenson, Rob Johnson, and Richard Garber. 

Patients can also get their wellness blood screenings in the Outpatient Lab instead of having to go to Urgent Care.

“Each year we process over 16,000 outpatient lab encounters and draw over 1,800 wellness screenings,” said Cecile Pattison, Community Relations Coordinator with the hospital. “Having them both in the same location is much more efficient.”
Wellness screenings are done year-round, weekday mornings by appointment from 6 – 8:30 am.

Also conveniently located in the OC are:
–    Ear, Nose and Throat
–    Women’s Clinic
–    Big Horn Surgical
–    Wound Care
–    Outpatient Radiology
–    Diabetes Education
–    Medication Assistance Program
–    Sidewalk Café

To see a complete list of these clinics and departments, along with their suite number and contact information, click here. 

Since the Auxiliary’s gift, almost two months ago, The Foundation has received various words of thanks from all departments who received a portion of this generous donation. With a mission “to provide comfort to and better the welfare of Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s patients,” The Auxiliary Board members voted on the opportunity that best exemplified their purpose. Their funds will enhance patient care in several departments including Radiology, Transitional Care Unit, Outpatient Surgery, Cath Lab, and Women’s Health. We take this opportunity to share one of those stories of the impact made to our Cath Lab.

A portion of the Hospital Auxiliary’s $23,500 donation made in February, will go towards new Audio Equipment in the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Cath Lab. Below, the Hospital’s Cath Lab and Interventional Radiology Manager Kristi Ramsey, RN shares the positive impact this gift will have not only for the staff working in this department but more importantly, the many patients receiving care.  Pictured below is the new hands-free system in use by Medical Imaging Technician, Marcus Pedroza.

“I want to say THANK YOU very much for supporting the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Cath Lab, but even more importantly supporting our patients.  The use of this equipment will allow the team to better communicate the immediate needs of each patient and the physician throughout their procedure.  It also allows us to provide the safest environment, by keeping the room doors closed and the air flow movement to a minimum, further decreasing the risk for infection.  The Auxiliary is an amazing group of volunteers, and we appreciate each one of them and the work they do throughout the organization every day.”

Thanks Again,
Kristi Ramsey, RN 

With the opening of the new Outpatient Center, it’s no secret than many clinics and departments have moved to bigger, better facilities. We understand that when you schedule an appointment at one of these clinics, you may not know where to park or enter the building. Refer to the maps below to learn how to easily arrive at your appointments.

Where do I park?

Ample parking for the clinics and services in the Outpatient Center is available in lots on both the north and south side of the Outpatient Center.
North Lot – Access from Highland Avenue. There are 10 steps and a handicapped ramp to enter the building on the North side.
South Lots – Access from 5^th St or Highland Avenue. The lot is level all the way up to the entrance for easier access for those who prefer not to take the stairs.

For a video tour with Chief Development Officer Cody Sinclair, and more information about the Outpatient Center, click here.  

March 7, 2019

The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation presented a check to the hospital board of trustees for over $100,000 for equipment upgrades at the hospital. A result of the approval of eight different grants, the funding goes to support direct patient care in multiple hospital departments. 

According to Cody Sinclair, Chief Development Officer “The Foundation’s efforts to raise needed dollars are vital in countless ways. Sheridan’s strong history of philanthropy has helped to build healing environments for areas such as The Watt Dialysis Center, Griffith Emergency Department and Welch Cancer Center. It has helped ensure our expert physicians and teams throughout the hospital have the equipment and technology to provide the best patient-centered care possible.” 

These specific unrestricted funds will help purchase needed equipment which will impact patient care through the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Cardiac Cath Lab, Surgery, Outpatient Lab, and Radiology. 

This funding was made possible by the generosity of the many people who support The Foundation’s Annual Membership program and sponsor Foundation events throughout the year like the annual golf tournament. 

“Philanthropy has made so many projects possible for Sheridan Memorial Hospital, and ensures everyone in our community receives needed care,” Sinclair added Philanthropy has been a big part of Sheridan Memorial Hospital from the very beginning. In 1976, the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation was formally established to provide continued leadership to ensure funding for capital building projects and patient care programs. These areas all help Sheridan Memorial Hospital meet the healthcare needs for our community. 

SMH Foundation Funding Requests Announced for the Following Equipment:

March 4, 2019

The new Outpatient Center, formerly called the Medical Arts Complex, is opening today and is home to the hospital’s clinics and outpatient services as the new name implies.

The following list shows all clinics and departments that are located in the new Outpatient Center along with their new name, suite number and phone number. 

The new Outpatient Center accommodates SMH clinics, which have been operating across the street from the hospital for the past several years. It also provides space for more frequently used outpatient services, to include wound care, diabetes education, outpatient radiology and outpatient lab.

The Heart Center and the Women’s Clinic have already been operating in their new offices. Internal Medicine opens their doors today in the new building. Ear, Nose and Throat will move into their space on the second floor shortly after Internal Medicine offices have fully moved in. Big Horn Surgical remains in its present location and Endocrinology stays in its existing location at 1050 Mydland Road.

Once all of the moves take place, there will be a total of 30 physicians and clinicians practicing in the Outpatient Center.

Moving the clinics also provided an opportunity for the hospital to consolidate its clinics under an updated Sheridan Memorial Hospital logo. The new logo still features the heart icon, but includes a fresh, more modern look.

“Overall, it is a better reflection of who we are as an organization today – a healthcare system aligned with physician practices,” said CEO McCafferty.

The entire building will boast just over 100,000 square feet of space. The original structure, built in 2004, began with 32,000 square feet. Of the 70,000 square foot addition, 30,000 square feet will remain shell space to support future growth.

Have Questions About Upcoming Appointments?

If you have questions about how to get to your upcoming appointment in one of these clinics or departments, don’t hesitate to call 672-1000. All clinic and department phone numbers will remain the same and the staff will be happy to help you.

February 20, 2019
 
On Friday, February 1, 2019, the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Auxiliary presented donations totaling $23,500 at its annual meeting and luncheon. With this gift, the Auxiliary has given nearly $637,000 to Sheridan Memorial Hospital since 1991.

With a mission “to provide comfort to and better the welfare of Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s patients,” The Auxiliary Board members voted on the opportunity that best exemplified their purpose. Their funds will enhance patient care in several departments including Radiology, Transitional Care Unit, Outpatient Surgery, Cath Lab, and Women’s Health. Hospital leaders Tandie Garland, Cathy Bealer, and Kristi Ramsey gratefully accepted the gift on behalf of the numerous departments who will be positively impacted by this contribution.

Since the luncheon, The Foundation has received various words of thanks from all departments and we look forward to sharing the gift’s impact in the coming months.
As a recipient of The Auxiliary’s donation, Radiology will be able to purchase a special wheelchair for Diagnostic Imaging.

In the following letter, Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Medical Imaging and Radiology Manager Chris Bilyeu shares the positive impact this gift, and the Auxiliary Volunteers have on our organization.

“I would like to extend a big thank you to the auxiliary!  I truly enjoyed the luncheon and found it interesting to see the extent to which they are helping the hospital.  Unfortunately, I had to leave for the gift announcements, but wanted to explain the impact the new chair will have on our department.  Currently we only have one of the Stryker wheelchairs and two other traditional wheelchairs.  The technologists compete to be able to use the Stryker wheelchair instead of using the old wheelchairs.  The reason for that is all the engineering that went into the ergonomic design of the chair to make it much more comfortable for the patient and the driver.   The features allow for brakes and foot pedals to be controlled without having to bend over and use your hands.  In addition, when pushing the chair you do not have to lean over as it sits taller and allows the user to practice good posture when transporting patients.  Lastly, the chair allows for thorough cleanings between patients as many of the cracks and crevices are eliminated.  This chair will definitely be greatly appreciated by the staff and will be able to serve patients for many years to come!

In addition, I would like to take the opportunity to share some feedback I see when the volunteers are working the outpatient waiting room desk, as many of these women are members of the auxiliary as well.  I am fortunate to have my office situated just outside the desk they operate every day.  I always enjoy my conversations with them and see what an impact they have on patients and their families.  This is ever so apparent when a patient is having surgery and there is not a volunteer available to be in the waiting room.  The families become increasingly anxious and feel a little isolated as they are not sure where to go for information or whom to communicate with when they need to step out, as they are worried they may miss the surgeon come in with an update.  The service our volunteers provide is immeasurable in terms of the comfort to our patients and families.  I feel it is important for them to realize what an impact they make and they deserve sincere appreciation for the countless hours they put in!  Keep up the great work and thanks again for making this hospital a better place to come as a patient, visitor and employee!” 


Sincerely,

Chris Bilyeu

Medical Imaging Radiology Manager

January 23, 2019

On Friday, December 14, 2018, students from Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) group presented proceeds from their fundraising efforts to Sheridan Memorial Hospital representatives. The students gave a check for $1,500 to the hospital’s Welch Cancer Center and over $400 in gifts and supplies to its Pediatric Unit. There to accept the donations were Megan Ratterman, DO and Nina Beach, Nurse Practitioner of Welch Cancer Center, Chief Development Officer – Cody Sinclair, and Volunteer Services Coordinator – Jasmine Slater.

Over the past decade, FBLA students raised more than $10,000 for the Welch Cancer Center by selling FBLA’s Cancer Awareness t-shirts. This year’s donation goes towards helping those in need to obtain preventive screening for the early detection of cancer. Nurses working in the pediatric unit are already using the gifts of stuffed animals, toys and dolls to provide comfort to our tiny patients.

Thank you to the FBLA students for their continued support and admirable efforts and to the many community members who purchased t-shirts for the cause. We appreciate your generosity and efforts to make a difference right here at home!

January 23, 2019

Not a month goes by that employees of Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) aren’t raising money for, or partnering with, a good cause for the Sheridan community. In 2018, SMH employees donated over $44,700 and hundreds of food, clothing and toy items towards several efforts around the community.

According to Cecile Pattison, Community Relations Coordinator at SMH, “We work hard to promote a culture of kindness and that shows when it comes to the amount of time and money our employees give back to the community.”

Of the over $44,700 raised in 2018, the bulk ($40,000) was through the SMH Foundation Employee Partner Program. Each year, employees vote on which project to fund with the dollars raised and this year the funds will go to the MedSurg unit for a new patient family and telemedicine consult room.  Over $410,000 has been raised through this program in the past 15 years.

Another major effort throughout the year is Jeans Fridays, where employees donate a minimum of $5 for the privilege of wearing jeans on designated Fridays each month.

“We average one Jeans Friday a month depending on the cause and the money raised goes to various efforts,” said Pattison. “This year the money helped with Safe Kids Day, The Link – Partners in Pink, Thanksgiving Food Drive, and the Sheridan Media Christmas Wish Campaign. Over $2500 was raised through Jeans Fridays in 2018.”

Hospital employees also took advantage of several other opportunities to give back in 2018.

–    Kozy Korner Gifts of Kindness – Employees donate cash through the Kozy Korner gift shop, and those funds are used to purchase gifts for patients in the hospital over Christmas.

–    Aid stations at the Dead Swede Hundo Bike Ride, Bike MS Bighorn Country Classic and the Bighorn Trail Run.

–    Relay for Life – Employee teams raised funds through a bake sale and daffodil sales.

–    Toys for Tots Toy Drive – Three large boxes of toys were donated this year.

–    Emergency Department Coat Drive – A partnership with One Hour Martinizing – gave ten big bags of coats this year.

–    Emergency Department Soup Drive – Donations of soup and cash for the food pantry during the holidays.

“When you look at the efforts over the entire year, it is easy to see how much our employees care about our community,” Pattison said. “We want to help people and make a difference. Every day we care for people in the hospital as part of our jobs, but these efforts show that our people want to go far above and beyond that to help others.”

1401 West 5^thStreet  – Sheridan, WY 82801  –  sheridanhospital.org

Contact:  
Alan Dubberley, Communications – 307-675-5877

For questions regarding content of this release:
Nyle Morgan, Chief Operating Officer – 307.672.1189
Cassandra Williamson, Sr. Director of Business Development, MARC – 605.393.0300

For Immediate Release – January 10, 2019

Hospital Partners With Medical Air Rescue Company to Provide Air Ambulance Service

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) has partnered with Medical Air Rescue Company (MARC) to bring air ambulance transportation to the Sheridan area.

Effective January 9, 2019 MARC has based a King Air C90 fixed-wing airplane at the Sheridan County Airport.  The aircraft and its medical crew will be available 24/7 to transport critically ill patients to other facilities when they need a higher level of care.  Patients from critical care areas within SMH will be transported to the airport via ground ambulance and then will be flown to the nearest facility able to provide care for the patient’s medical condition.

According to Nyle Morgan, Chief Operating Officer at SMH, “We are pleased to enter into this relationship with MARC. It is an extremely important service for the Sheridan community so our patients will have access to the appropriate level care as fast as possible.  The sooner a patient in critical condition can be transported to a facility with the appropriate level of care, the greater the likelihood that patient will have a positive outcome.”

MARC is an independent company, headquartered in Rapid City, SD with satellite bases located throughout the region; Sheridan being their newest base. MARC is fully staffed 24/7, with highly trained and experienced flight teams that are committed to the communities they serve in providing rapid and reliable patient care.  The hospital’s agreement allows MARC to transport patients from SMH, but all aircraft, equipment and staff are owned and employed by MARC. 

The fixed-wing aircraft is the first phase for emergency medical flights in and out of Sheridan.  Later this year, MARC will base their first Airbus H130 helicopter at the hospital. 

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