Phase 1 of the State Loan and Investment Board remodel project at the hospital is wrapping up this week, and crews are ready to begin on phase 2, North Big Horn Hospital CEO Peter Birkholz reported to the board of trustees at their regular monthly board meeting Tuesday, Aug. 19.


Finish work is being done on the main corridor of the hospital, with lighting going up at the end of this week.
One of the two skylights being installed at the care center is near completion. Birkholz invited the public to visit the western portion of the NHCC to see what a difference the skylight makes. He said there would be an open house for employees, residents, family members and the construction team once the skylights have been completed.


Facilities Director Bill Pearce told the Chronicle that crews would begin on phase 2 of the project twhis week, which is the remodel of the front entrance to the hospital. During phase 2, which is expected to last six weeks, the front entrance will be blocked off and patrons are asked to use the ER entrance to the hospital, which is on the other side of the front desk area.


In the front entryway, the vending machine area will be eliminated and a reception area and two admitting stations will be built. One of the stations will be ADA compliant.


Upon completion of phase 2, crews will move to phase 3: remodeling the front desk area. Glass will be removed and a new counter will be installed, among other things, Pearce said. At that time, patrons will once again use the main entrance of the hospital.


Pearce said the entire project should be completed by the end of October.