Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884

Hospital capacity a rising concern

CCMSD is hanging on in there, says CEO

At this time, Crook County Medical Services District will not be making use of the state initiative to bring in extra medical staffing to help cope with the pandemic. Though the virus is certainly making itself felt, CEO Micki Lyons credits the dedication of staff with keeping the hospital functioning.

“Our staff have been great and have all stepped up to cover open shifts during this difficult time,” Lyons says.

However, if the situation continues to worsen, the initiative will be available if Crook County does need to call in help. A total of $10 million will be spent on travelling medical staff to fund up to 50 additional personnel throughout the state.

“We are eligible to receive assistance for staffing, but as of right now do not feel that we are in need,” says Lyons. “If we start to see more staff test positive then that may change.”

On Thursday, Governor Mark Gordon announced that he had authorized a three-pronged approach to support medical facilities in Wyoming. Using CARES Act funding, resources will be provided through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Wyoming National Guard and the aforementioned travelling medical staff.

The announcement was made to address the fact that hospitalizations are now at record levels and still increasing and several Wyoming hospitals have expanded capacity to meet the influx. Several hospitals are also now at capacity for intensive care unit beds.

Two 15-member teams of physicians and nurses from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Disaster Medical System will be deployed to hospitals in Gillette and Cheyenne to assist medical providers for 14 days. The two communities were selected on the basis of greatest immediate need.

The Wyoming National Guard will assist with activities such as delivering meals to free up medical staff, with ten announced to be heading to Cheyenne for 30 days.

Until relatively recently, Crook County Memorial Hospital had not admitted any COVID-19 positive patients into the facility. However, throughout October and November, patient numbers have fluctuated between zero and three.