NBHH trustees approve new sleep lab equipment

North Big Horn Hospital trustees approved an equipment request for $33,000 to purchase equipment for its in-house sleep lab at the board’s regular meeting held on May 20.

The amount of the purchase is less than the original $40,000 that was budgeted for the purchase. The sleep lab was previously operated by an outside contractor who supplied all of the equipment and staff. Since the district will now be operating the lab directly, the equipment purchase was necessary.

Since 2017, the service was provided through a partnership with Western Sleep Medicine for in-house sleep studies. Western Sleep decided to end the partnership in 2025. The service will continue under the management of NBHH, with the newly approved equipment and the hiring of specialized staff to perform the service. Compliance officer Kathy Walker explained that a “polysomnographic technician” eligible for certification has been hired for the sleep lab. She said the details are being worked out in regard to “equipment, reads, transfer of information and directorship.”

Walker also reported on other new service lines, including the MRI and DEXA scanners. She noted that 104 MRIs were performed from September 2024 through April 2025, and 37 DEXA scans have been completed since its installation in February.

In other matters, Clinic Manager Amber James reported 1,345 patient visits in April, once again exceeding the goal of 1,100 visits per month. Visiting nurse services performed 336 visits in April, compared to 299 visits in March. Though not a same-day facility, the clinic strives to arrange same day appointments whenever possible. In keeping with that goal, 85 patients were seen on a same-day scheduling basis in April. James also reported 47 patients currently enrolled in the clinic’s chronic care management program. She noted that this is the largest patient load for that program that the clinic has seen to date.

Director of Nursing Michael Henley reported 37 total hospital admissions in April, compared to 27 in March. A total of 130 infusions were performed, along with 68 overall operating room procedures. The operating procedures included 10 robotic surgeries, one cardiology procedure, 21 general surgeries, 28 scopes, four gynecology procedures and 15 pain clinic procedures.

Henley also reported that two nurses completed training on PICC line insertion and are now able to complete bedside insertions. He noted that Billings Clinic provided education on neonatal resuscitation on site for emergency room staff.

The foundation reported that the Evening with Friends fundraising event raised just over $13,000 at the event. Upcoming events include the sports physicals to be held June 17, July 15 and 30, Aug. 5 and 13. A lumps and bumps clinic was held on May 20.

In his CEO report, Eric Connell welcomed Payton Gambill in her new role as the grants/foundation/marketing coordinator, replacing Janet Koritnik, who retired recently after more than 20 years in the position. He noted that Koritnik will continue to work 10 hours a week through to the golf tournament in September, at which time she will cut back to a per diem role. He said he anticipates that Koritnik will help occasionally with special projects such as the Share a Stocking program.

Connell also noted that Dr. Brenda Camp’s women’s health practice is gaining momentum. He said she continues to receive outstanding reviews from patients who have been under her care. She completed four robotic assisted cases in the operating room this week and has worked in tandem with surgeon Dr. Michael Hill to address issues for a patient that might otherwise require two separate trips to the operating room.

Connell reported that the hospital is in discussions regarding an acquisition and potential partnership opportunity with another long-term care facility. The arrangement would be similar to the existing agreements the hospital has with Rocky Mountain Care in Evanston. 

Connell also reported that the hospital’s new CT scanner is installed and fully operational. The mobile MRI unit will resume service this week following an interruption of service during the installation of the CT scanner.