North Big Horn Hospital Board approves budget, advances major projects

The North Big Horn Hospital Board met last week to approve its budget for the upcoming fiscal year and discuss a number of projects and initiatives currently underway.

Before turning to regular business, several department managers shared letters and comments from patients praising the hospital’s emergency room, nursing staff and other departments.

One of the stories involved a young patient who arrived in the emergency room in critical condition. Hospital CEO Eric Connell described the response by staff.

“From A to Z, even from the time this particular family pulled up to the ER, it was pretty dramatic, as you can imagine,” Connell said. “You’ve got a young one there, really, really sick, and team members helped carry the patient in and did everything they could. Ultimately, we were able to have a successful outcome for that patient and get them transferred where they needed to be.”

Connell said the incident also demonstrated the hospital’s commitment to continually improving its care.

“Just because it went well doesn’t mean there aren’t other opportunities,” he said.

He explained that after every major emergency, staff review the situation to identify ways they can be even better prepared the next time. They evaluate whether the pharmacy has the right medications readily available, whether additional equipment or tools are needed and whether the hospital’s computer systems and procedures adequately support the medical team during critical situations. Even when the outcome is positive, Connell said, every emergency provides an opportunity to learn and improve.

The hospital’s financial report also reflected the impact of the cyberattack that disrupted operations earlier this year. Chief Financial Officer Darcy Robertson noted that the incident was included in the hospital’s June financial results and contributed to a negative margin for the month. Even so, she reported that the hospital finished the fiscal year with a 5.2 percent operating margin and an 11.3 percent total margin, exceeding budget expectations despite the setback.

Connell said the financial effects of the cybercrime continue to be evaluated and that efforts to recover the lost funds are ongoing. He said the investigation into the attack has not been completed, and the hospital is continuing to work with the appropriate agencies, insurers and financial institutions in hopes of recovering as much of the financial loss as possible. While the incident was costly, Connell said the hospital remains in a strong financial position and continues to move forward with planned projects and services.

Projects move forward

As the budget was finalized, department managers submitted capital improvement requests for consideration. While many of those projects will compete for future funding, three major capital improvements have already advanced beyond the planning stage. Those include the hospital’s $1.1 million flooring replacement project, the $560,000 renovation of the hospital cafeteria and bistro and a $980,000 project to complete the upstairs clinic area with additional physician offices and patient exam rooms.

Connell said work on all three projects is expected to move forward before the end of the summer. He noted that the flooring replacement has been carefully planned to minimize disruptions while replacing aging flooring throughout the hospital. Construction will be completed in phases so departments can remain open and patient services continue with as little interruption as possible.

Protecting the comfort and well-being of patients, particularly residents of the New Horizons Care Center, will remain the top priority throughout the project, Connell said. Work will be scheduled to reduce noise, limit traffic through patient areas and relocate activities when necessary. While patients and visitors may occasionally encounter temporary detours or construction activity, he said the goal is to create a safer, more modern environment with as little disruption as possible.

Clinic Manager Amber James reported that patient demand continued to climb during June, with the Rural Health Clinic recording 1,595 patient visits, well above its monthly goal of 1,300. The clinic also expanded access for patients needing prompt care, accommodating 126 same-day appointments in June, up from 62 in May. Visiting nurse services also remained busy, totaling 295 visits during the month. Sports physical clinics were scheduled throughout July and August to help prepare local students for the upcoming school year.

James also shared encouraging patient satisfaction results with the board. The clinic exceeded its goal for courteous and respectful reception staff, with survey scores improving to 97 percent in the first quarter of 2026 and 87 percent in the second quarter, both meeting or exceeding the 85 percent target. She shared several anonymous comments praising the clinic’s staff and providers. Patients described the care as “exceptional,” called Dr. Matthew Beeton the “Best Dr. Ever,” complimented the helpfulness of reception staff Nathan and Tawni and praised Dr. Brenda Camp for her compassion and medical knowledge.

Connell also updated the board on several operational initiatives. Recruitment efforts continue for key positions while leadership works to strengthen employee engagement and improve patient care. He said the hospital remains focused on expanding services locally so residents can receive more specialized care without leaving the Big Horn Basin. Hospital leaders are also continuing discussions surrounding Wyoming’s Rural Health Transformation Program, which could provide additional resources for emergency services and other future improvements.

In the board’s final action of the evening, trustees voted to continue their deliberate approach to the hospital’s long-term expansion plans. Rather than making final decisions on facility improvements, the board directed its architectural firm to return with more detailed schematic designs and refined cost estimates. Connell said the additional information will allow trustees to better evaluate each option and make informed decisions before committing to the next phase of the project.