Shelley Murphey receives exemplary nursing award 

The North Big Horn Hospital District Board of Trustees met Tuesday, Sept. 16, in the New Horizons Care Center conference room, with board chairman David Winterholler presiding.

The meeting opened with a surprise recognition for Shelley Murphy, RN, ER trauma coordinator, who was presented with the Wyoming Hospital Association’s Norman S. Holt Award for Nursing Excellence. Murphey was praised for her professionalism, compassion and leadership in areas such as achieving pediatric readiness. A plaque was presented to her, and another will be displayed at the hospital.

Finance reports showed August operating revenue at $2.7 million on a $2.6 million budget, with expenses under budget by more than $133,000. This produced positive operating income for the second month in a row. Though the district budgeted for a loss early in the year, year-to-date numbers remain ahead of plan.

Board approvals and updates

Trustees approved medical staff privileges for Dr. Tom Cloward and advanced practice privileges for Rebecca Edwards, CRNA. They also approved the first phase of a security camera system upgrade.

Organizational goals for Year 2026 were reviewed, ranging from staff engagement and patient safety to financial stability and service growth in orthopedics, oncology and cardiology. Consultants from HealthPAC have begun interviews for a new strategic plan, with a work session set for November.

Federal health legislation under review

A major portion of the meeting focused on the potential impact of President Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” that includes a sweeping federal health measure directing billions of dollars into health care through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

CEO Eric Connell explained that Wyoming is guaranteed $100 million per year for the next five years if its plan is approved. The Wyoming Department of Health is currently gathering general recommendations on how to best use the funding, with proposals due this fall.

Connell noted that one possible use is restoring maternity services in counties where they have recently disappeared. For example, Kemmerer, Evanston and Rawlins no longer provide maternity care, and state leaders are considering whether temporary funding could re-establish such services.

However, trustees and administrators emphasized the challenge of sustainability.

“What happens after five years?” Connell asked. Starting programs with federal money and then having to end them once funds expire creates hardships for both hospitals and patients. The board agreed that any proposals should aim to strengthen care in ways that can survive beyond the life of the federal funding. Board member Brett Crosby suggested that one of the most sustainable uses of the funding would be to “invest in scholarships and similar initiatives that encourage local residents to pursue careers in health care and remain in Wyoming.”

The overall effects of the Big Beautiful Bill on Wyoming health care, and especially on rural hospitals like North Big Horn, remain under debate.

Management reports

 Clinic: August saw 1,392 patient visits, the highest monthly volume this year, including 113 same-day visits and 281 sports physicals. Positive feedback continues for new same-day provider Jenna Wallace.

 Critical Access Hospital: A successful nurse skills fair was held with help from the Basin/Greybull Three Rivers Hospital partners, boosting staff training and collaboration.

 Care Center: Leadership transition is underway; staffing challenges persist, but new recruitment and traveler support are helping stabilize operations.

 Foundation/Marketing: The North Big Horn Hospital Foundation hosted its annual golf tournament where players teed off for a cause and raised more than $6,000 in support of women’s health care programs. Unfortunately, no one managed a hole-in-one — the shot that would have guaranteed a $10,000 prize for the lucky golfer.

 Capital projects: Flooring replacement is moving forward at $700,000, and plans for a new procedure bay are estimated at $800,000. Grant applications have been submitted to offset costs.

Looking ahead

The district’s Community Health Needs Assessment survey is currently open, with leaders urging broad community participation. Recruiting for specialty providers continues after a urologist candidate withdrew due to scheduling conflicts.

The board went into executive session before adjourning.