NBHH gears up for women’s health program with new equipment

North Big Horn Hospital trustees approved several pieces of equipment intended for use by the incoming women’s health care physician, Dr. Brenda Camp, during a very short pre-Christmas meeting held via teleconference on December 17.

A hysteroscope that was approved at a previous board meeting had to be re-ordered from a new vendor because the vendor that had been previously selected could not service the equipment in Northern Wyoming. Additionally, other necessary equipment was ordered, bringing the purchases $30,000 over the initial cost estimate, which had budgeted $50,000 in capital outlay for new equipment. CEO Eric Connell noted that several other purchases came in under budget, offsetting the overage. 

Operating room manager Joanne Walker was present on the call to explain the need for the equipment. She noted that some of the equipment is necessary to perform surgeries, and some items replace old, outdated equipment. She said some of the equipment can be used in conjunction with robotic equipment already available for use in the operating room.

The trustees also approved a biosafety cabinet for use in the newly remodeled lab. Lab manager Kathy Walker explained that the new cabinet has always been a part of the remodel plan and will allow the lab to expand its microbiology area.

“It will allow them (lab workers) more space to work in,” Walker explained. “If we were to have another pandemic, it would allow testing within the cabinet instead of outside.”

Winterholler asked if the cabinet was over budget. Walker explained that the price actually came in under budget.

Trustee Todd Simmons said he would like to see the area where patients interact with lab staff upgraded in the future. Walker said that has always been the plan, but it is complicated due to a wall separating the draw area from the patient waiting area and a fire door that is a tight fit for some wheelchairs. She indicated the issue will be addressed sometime in the future in conjunction with the master facility plan.

Simmons and CFO Darcy Robertson discussed a late UPL (upper payment limit) payment that has been delayed. The late payment does not affect the overall financials for the year because it was not included in the initial budget. The year ended within .5 percent of the original budget, which is well within the overall financial goal of the organization.

This was the last meeting for trustees Ron Christensen and Mary Matthews, who chose not to run for re-election. The two trustees will be replaced by newly elected members Pat Crumrine and Max Lewis, both elected in November. Winterholler pointed out that since Matthews and Christensen were responsible for researching and recommending reappointments for medical staff privileges, other board members will need to step up to the task in the future.