Hospital board receives first departmental in-service

WORLAND – The Washakie Medical Center Board of Trustees met for their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 22, to receive their first departmental in-service and to receive updates from Washakie Medical Center (WMC) staff.

The first of a series of informational meetings with departments in the hospital was held with Chief Nursing Officer Lisa Van Brunt. These meetings are being set in order to help the board understand the functions of each department of the hospital should they be approached in public with a WMC question.

Van Brunt informed the board that her responsibilities include being responsible for the day-to-day operations for every department that are associated with direct patient care. Being involved in these activities allows her to help understand how to improve and ensure that the care delivery services are up to date.

Van Brunt told the board that it helps that she has strong departmental leaders who are committed to giving that type of service care and that they ensure each patient receives the proper care. She said that it is her responsibility to be accountable for the nursing care in the facility, and she is always looking for continuous ways to improve the health care.

Chief Executive Officer Jay Stallings reported that the hospital performed so well in August that they were actually able to return some Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) funding. He said that this shows that they are being “incredibly good stewards” with this funding, and said that they are only using the funding for what it was intended for should they need it.

Banner Health Washakie Medical Center Chief of Staff Dr. Vernon Miller reported to the board that he is grateful that they have been testing patients coming in for surgeries as they have had multiple patients test positive for COVID-19 despite those patients not displaying any symptoms.

Miller also said that he would stay on as chief of staff for one more year while training Dr. Amber Moss, she will serve as vice chief of staff for this year.

Steve Wiecki provided an update that the facilities are doing well; they will be working on the front entrance from Grace Avenue later. He also said that he has talked with electric companies about a heat trace for the downspouts underneath the concrete so that they do not freeze.