Busy December, expanding services highlight at NBHH board meeting

The North Big Horn Hospital District Board of Trustees received several updates Tuesday, Jan. 20, pointing to continued growth in clinic use, expanded specialty services and progress on long-term facility planning.

Clinic leadership reported that Rural Health Clinic visits rebounded strongly in December, with 1,392 patient visits, exceeding the monthly target of 1,300, after November came in slightly below goal at 1,230 visits. Hospital officials said sustaining visit volumes at or above target remains a key priority moving forward.

One of the meeting’s highlights was a hands-on demonstration by ER provider John Wallace, who explained a recently approved $6,000 GlideScope video laryngoscope, a critical airway-management tool used during emergency intubations. Wallace said the device represents the current standard of care, noting that relying on older flashlight-style scopes was very difficult to manage. The system allows faster and safer placement of breathing tubes in high-stress situations and will remain in the emergency department, where it has already been used in patient care.

Hospital officials also reviewed results from the Community Health Needs Assessment, which identified mental health, keeping care close to home and home-based and elder care as the top concerns among respondents. Transportation barriers, particularly for elderly residents, were cited frequently as a challenge to accessing care. Leadership noted that, while many services already exist locally, increasing public awareness remains a key focus.

In response to mental health concerns, North Big Horn Hospital has already begun taking action. The hospital received a VOX Program grant from the State of Wyoming to support suicide prevention training for emergency room staff, an early step in addressing behavioral health needs identified by the community.

Trustees also heard updates on continued growth in outpatient and surgical services. Hospital officials reported that outpatient services are leading revenue gains, while surgical volumes have significantly exceeded projections. Approximately 72 surgical cases were budgeted for the year, while 130 cases were completed, nearly doubling expectations. Leaders credited the growth to expanded services and provider availability.

Specialty care services were another major focus. The board was told that cardiology services are off to a fast start, with 109 cardiology patients served in December. Oncology services are now underway with Dr. Carletta Collins, while additional work continues to support chemotherapy services and regional partnerships. Orthopedic services also launched this month, with Dr. Michael Groover beginning work at the hospital.

Trustees received an update on future expansion plans, with architectural drawings for the clinic expansion approximately 50 percent complete and engineering work underway. Hospital officials anticipate putting the project out for bids in February. Planning is also continuing for a proposed bistro space, which will follow slightly behind the clinic expansion timeline.

The board also approved its 2026 medical staff officers, naming Dr. Matthew Beeton as chief of staff and Dr. Troy Caldwell as vice chief of staff and medical director for New Horizons Care Center.

Trustees also authorized the purchase and installation of an emergency panic button system that will directly alert law enforcement when activated. The system will include 25 fixed panic buttons throughout the facility at a total installed cost of $16,807 and is intended to improve staff safety and speed emergency response times.

Their next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m.