News and Community

Sheridan Memorial Hospital Cardiac Cath Lab Earns National Accreditation

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH)

Christmas Card Art 2022 Know the Winners & Enjoy All the Entries HERE Merry Christmas!

2022 Christmas Card Contest Winners

Congratulations to 4th grader Adley Rhodes at Sagebrush Elementary, 4th grader Abigail Zielsdoft at Sagebrush Elementary, and 5th

Watt Dialysis’ Lynnet Bede Recognized as Dialysis Clinic, Inc. 2022 Employee of the Year

Lynnet Bede, the Nurse Manager for the Watt Dialysis Center here in Sheridan, was recognized as the Dialysis Clinic, Inc’s (DCI’s) 2022 Employee of

Sheridan Memorial Hospital New Robotic-Assisted Surgery - Our Lives in Expert Hands - SheridanRoboticSurgery.com

New Robotic-Assisted Surgery Program at Sheridan Memorial Hospital

Patients can now access state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical technology right here

SMH Awarded $5.9 Million State Grant to Enhance Mental Healthcare in Sheridan County

SMH Awarded $5.9 Million State Grant to Enhance Mental Healthcare in Sheridan County - Hospital to

Hospital can help with Insurance Marketplace Enrollment

Health Insurance Marketplace® Open Enrollment Runs Through January 2023 Shopping for health insurance can be confusing and cumbersome.

Sheridan Memorial Hospital Earns Pediatric Receiving Facility Designation

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) has been recognized as a Pediatric Receiving Facility by the

2022 Link - Thanks to your participation and support $50,000

Providing Comfort and Care for Cancer Patients in Your Community

Saturday, October 15th the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation hosted The Link - Partners in

Sheridan Memorial Hospital Celebrates Home Care and Hospice Month

Celebrating Home Care and Hospice Month

Providing care for patients in their own home has shown to be a very effective way to treat many

HealthiLIfe Fridays Patient Directed Lab Testing

SMH Kicks Off HealtheLife Fridays October 21st at Primary Care

This Friday, October 21, Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) launches an expanded

Why We Walk – Comfort & Care for our Cancer Patients

With October often comes the colors changing not only on the grass and trees, but pink is often

63rd Annual 5-Year-Old Birthday Party a Great Success

63rd Annual 5-Year-Old Birthday Party Celebration a Great Success

Our volunteers and community members turned out to celebrate the Sheridan Memorial Hospital

Diana Charlson, FNP-BC Obstructive Sleep Apnea

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea and should it be treated?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep-disordered breathing. It is

We Welcome Dr. Josh Scott

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) and Big Horn Surgical welcome Josh Scott, MD. Dr. Scott joins Corey Jost, MD, Barry Mangus, MD and Sara

Audiology Awareness Month - Pattie Visscher, Au. D

Audiology Awareness Month: Protect Your Hearing from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Audiology team is

Jennifer Graslie, MSPS, PA-C Heart Failure Prevention

Heart Failure - A Little Bit of Prevention Goes a Long Way

As we approach World Heart Day, September 29, a day created to spread awareness about

SMH Internal Medicine Welcomes Derek Redinger DO

Welcome Dr. Derek Redinger

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) is pleased to welcome Derek Redinger, DO, to the Internal Medicine Clinic in the hospital’s Outpatient Center.

Anne's Story

Anne Hinman was kind enough to leave this 5 star google review about Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Wyoming Rehab: “I could not have been happier

SMH Foundation Celebrates Donors and Opening of Transitional Care at Sheridan Memorial Hospital

It is with great anticipation that Sheridan Memorial Hospital and The Foundation announces the

Trap Shooters Raise $10,000 for Welch Cancer Center Patients

The Sheridan County Sportsmen’s Association (SCSA) presented a check for $10,000 to the Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) Foundation

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by Kristi Ramsey, RN, BSN, RCIS, CVRN – Sheridan Memorial Hospital Cath Lab Manager

February is National Heart Month – so this is a particularly appropriate time to share some great news with all of you. Our Cardiac Cath Lab team has been working hard over the past year to achieve yet another national endorsement.

Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation
I am pleased to announce that The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) for its demonstrated expertise and commitment to treating patients who come to SMH’s Cardiac Cath Lab for care, including for diagnostic catheterizations (cath) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. SMH was awarded Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who come to the cardiac cath lab.

PCI includes procedures such as PTCA, also known as Percutaneous Coronary Angioplasty, Thrombectomy, and Stent placement. It is a non-surgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack. Thrombectomy is the removal of a thrombus (blood clot) from the coronary vessel. A coronary stent, a small expandable mesh-like tube, is often placed in the coronary artery once the narrowed or blocked artery is opened. The stent keeps the artery open and allows blood to flow freely to the cardiac muscle.

Cathy Bealer, SMH Chief Nursing Officer says, “In earning this accreditation, our Cath Lab staff and providers have demonstrated their commitment to providing the Sheridan region with consistent excellent heart care. They completed a multi-faceted clinical process that culminated in a rigorous onsite review. They also applied improved methods and strategies of caring for patients, including streamlining processes, implementing quality cardiovascular guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in caring for cath lab patients.”

She adds, “Because of our team’s diligent work, our patients here in Sheridan have access to the same heart testing and treatment typically found only in regional medical centers.”

According to the ACC, facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to improved patient outcomes. To maintain the accreditation, hospitals must undergo the review process every three years.

Hospitals that have proven exceptional competency in treating patients requiring cardiac catheterization have standardized their assessment process for patients before catheterization to ensure quality and patient safety. They ensure that care in the procedure room for sedation, infection control, radiation safety, universal protocol, and time-out procedures is fully coordinated; and have mastered the appropriate transfer to a cardiac recovery department to better monitor and track complications, enhance physician-to-patient communication, patient family communication, discharge instructions and follow-up information.

Heart Failure Accreditation earned in 2020
This isn’t the first national accreditation that our Cath Lab has earned. Back in 2020, the ACC awarded SMH the Heart Failure Accreditation, which was based on the hospital’s competence and specific standards that were put in place to provide excellent care to patients with heart failure. The ACC evaluated 73 mandatory components that focus on the hospital’s policies, standards, protocols and education related to heart failure. This was also a three-year accreditation which was renewed again this past year.

Earning these recognitions is not a “one-and-done” process, and both require ongoing internal attention to how we care for members of our community who have heart disease. It’s a constant rigorous look at policies, protocols, and standards and making the appropriate adjustments needed to evolve with the continuous changes and improvements in the care of our cardiac patients.

Thanks to our entire Cardiovascular team for their dedicated focus, extra hours, teamwork and collaboration to achieve both of these outstanding recognitions. All of this means better outcomes for our patients.

In addition to the mentioned procedures in this article, the following procedures are also performed in the cardiac cath lab.

Right and Left Heart Catheterizations
Permanent Pacemakers (PPM)
Implantable Converter – Defibrillators (ICD)
Loop Recorders
Cardioversions
Trans-esophageal Echo’s
Cardiac Stress Testing

Cardiac Cath Lab History at SMH
The SMH Cardiac Cath Lab opened in 2013 and is one of only seven in the state of Wyoming. It was funded through the SMH Foundation – with a significant gift from the Lorraine Husman Trust, designated for cardiac care, and a generous donation from the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

2023 Sheridan Memorial Hospital Cath Lab Team Left to right: Yvette Romero RN, Chris Rojo RN, Jackie Ek RN, Lauryn Cleveland RTR, Kristi Ramsey RN, Dawn Morgan RN, Matt Elmore RTR, Megan Wetzel RN. Missing from Photo: Alaina Sottolano RN, James Boulter RTR, Marcus Pedroza RTR

2023 Sheridan Memorial Hospital Cath Lab Team
Left to right: Yvette Romero RN, Chris Rojo RN, Jackie Ek RN, Lauryn Cleveland RTR,
Kristi Ramsey RN, Dawn Morgan RN, Matt Elmore RTR, Megan Wetzel RN.

Missing from Photo: Alaina Sottolano RN, James Boulter RTR, Marcus Pedroza RTR

To learn more about awards Sheridan Memorial Hospital has earned, click HERE or visit https://www.sheridanhospital.org/about-us/awards/.

Sheridan Memorial Hospital would like to thank all of the talented area 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders who submitted their artwork this year. Students were asked to create a design that captured the theme “A Joyous, Blessed Christmas.”

All of the entries are on display now through the holiday season in the windows at the hospital’s Primary Care clinic downtown at 61 South Gould Street.

Come see all of the incredible artistry and imagination for yourselves! Merry Christmas!

Lynnet Bede, the Nurse Manager for the Watt Dialysis Center here in Sheridan, was recognized as the Dialysis Clinic, Inc’s (DCI’s) 2022 Employee of the Year.

The Watt Dialysis Center is one of hundreds of DCI clinic partnerships around the country; Lynnet’s national award highlights the important work of the Sheridan team. Lynnet has been a nurse for 29 years and a dialysis nurse for 26 years. She has led the Watt Dialysis Center’s team since 1996.

DCI nominators recognized Lynnet as a “kind and selfless person, who cares for everyone she comes into contact with.” During the COVID pandemic, Lynnet led her team in sending care kits to DCI units all over the country with messages of encouragement. She even sent brownies to the corporate office, recognizing that the pandemic disrupted everything and everyone. Lynnet says the care package project grew quickly; “I don’t know how many clinics we sent kits to. It didn’t take long to realize that every clinic should have received one.”

Lynnet is a servant leader who sets a strong example for her colleagues. When duty calls, she can fill the role of a Charge Nurse, a Floor Nurse, a Patient Care Tech, a Chief Tech and an Admin Assistant. She embodies the idea of accountability as she takes responsibility for every aspect of care.

DCI’s nomination noted that Lynnet takes extra steps and time to make sure that no patient goes without care; “On a number of occasions, Lynnet has opened the clinic and personally staffed the space to accommodate a treatment on a Saturday because there was a pressing need for just one patient.” In Wyoming the seasons bring waves of travel patients who Lynnet bends over backwards to accommodate.

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) is proud of Lynnet and grateful for her leadership and compassion for the patients and staff of the Watt Dialysis Center, which is located in the spacious area just beneath the SMH Emergency Department.

Please join us in congratulating Lynnet Bede for this well deserved recognition.

Patients can now access state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical technology right here in Sheridan. The new da Vinci Xi Robot-Assisted Surgical System at Sheridan Memorial Hospital provides overall better outcomes. Patients experience shorter hospital stays, reduced recovery time, reduced pain/discomfort, reduced scarring, and reduced blood loss. The da Vinci system is designed to be the safest and least invasive option for many surgical interventions. This is the fourth generation of the da Vinci robotic platform and it brings with it over 20 years of learning for enhancing surgical performance.

Dr. Josh Scott recently moved back home to Sheridan and is a surgeon with Big Horn Surgical at SMH. He says patients should be excited about the capabilities of this new system and what it means for them post-surgery.

“As surgeons, we will be able to conduct even less invasive surgeries because this new robot only requires two to four incisions between eight to 13 millimeters long,” Scott says. “Pair that with the post-surgery benefits of shorter hospital stays and reduced recovery time, and it’s a win-win situation for patients. To have this level of technology here in Sheridan is amazing.”

There are many types of surgery that can be performed using this surgical system according to Dr. Scott. Some of those include hernia repair, gall bladder removal, hysterectomies, ovary removal, prostatectomies, and more.

“As our many specialists become more familiar with this technology, other surgical options will become available in the near future,” Dr. Scott added.

While the robot is what makes this surgery less invasive, Dr. Scott went on to say, “It’s very important for patients to know the surgeon is in control of the robot at all times. The robot does nothing without the surgeon directing every movement of the instruments.”

The surgeon uses a console right at the bedside to control the precision instruments with a 3D, high definition camera with 10x magnification allowing access to hard-to-reach areas of the body not normally visible to the human eye.

“This robot will allow our patients to remain closer to home, family and friends and that always provides a better healing environment after surgery,” Dr. Scott added.

To learn more about the New Robotic-Assisted Surgery Program at Sheridan Memorial Hospital visit SheridanRoboticSurgery.com and Robotic-Assisted Surgery FAQs

SMH Awarded $5.9 Million State Grant to Enhance Mental Healthcare in Sheridan County – Hospital to launch capital campaign to raise matching funds for $12.8 Million Project

On November 16, Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) was awarded a $5.9 million grant from the State Land and Investment Board to develop an Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, Healing (EmPATH) and Crisis Stabilization Unit to serve the Sheridan County region.

This critical project will help address the growing mental health and behavioral health needs of our community by providing psychiatric urgent care, crisis stabilization, inpatient psychiatric beds, and therapy space. The total cost of the project is $12.8 million and the SLIB grant requires a one-to-one match.

Over the years SMH has invested heavily to provide a safe environment for behavioral health patients and staff. Currently, the hospital provides tele-psych services, security on-site 24 hours/day, patient support staff, additional full-time licensed clinical mental health professionals, and transportation to get patients to appropriate treatment facilities.

The region does not, however, have the appropriate level of treatment and service for behavioral health patients to meet their needs close to home. Many patients must be transported to treatment facilities far outside our community. The development of the EmPATH and Crisis Stabilization Unit is an opportunity to invest in facilities that will support the mental and behavioral health needs here in Sheridan County.

Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Mike McCafferty, expressed his gratitude to everyone who’s working on improving mental health in our community. “Addressing the mental and behavioral healthcare needs of our community is a priority for Sheridan Memorial Hospital. We are grateful to our local, regional, and statewide partners who are working with us to provide additional mental and behavioral health care resources that our community deserves.”

Sheridan Memorial Hospital partnered with local, regional and statewide stakeholders to develop its plan to enhance community partnerships addressing mental health care needs for our region. The hospital looks forward to working with partners, foundations, and community members in making this critical project for our community a reality.

This project will launch quickly as the SLIB grant designates that it must be completed by 2026.

November 13, 2022

Health Insurance Marketplace® Open Enrollment Runs Through January 2023

Shopping for health insurance can be confusing and cumbersome. There are literally hundreds of websites offering information and help for anyone looking to obtain health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace®.

Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace runs Tuesday, November 1, 2022, through January 15, 2023. The official government website, HealthCare.gov, offers a Quick Guide to the marketplace offering information on the following topics:

Tips about the Health Insurance Marketplace
Getting a Health Insurance Marketplace plan: 4 steps
Are you eligible to use the Marketplace?
When can you get health insurance?

Sheridan Memorial Hospital has Patient Financial Advocates on staff ready to assist anyone needing help navigating the Marketplace.

SMH Financial Advocates can help you understand how the Marketplace works; help with reviewing coverage options, first-time enrollment and re-enrollment. Depending on each individual’s eligibility, there are plans to help cover prescriptions, hospital stays, doctor visits and more. Some individuals may even qualify for a tax credit to help individuals afford health insurance coverage.

There is no charge for assistance from SMH Patient Financial Advocates.

To make an appointment with one of the SMH Patient Financial Advocates, call 307.675.4620 or for more information, click here.

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) has been recognized as a Pediatric Receiving Facility by the Wyoming Department of Health’s Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) and Wyoming Hospital Preparedness programs.

The Wyoming Pediatric Recognition program, managed through the Wyoming Department of Health, ensures services, equipment, disaster preparedness and staff competencies are in place in a facility that may treat an acutely injured or ill child in Wyoming. There are 26 pediatric receiving facilities in Wyoming, and SMH is one of only 6 in our state to obtain the Wyoming Pediatric Emergency Readiness Level 1 recognition. Pursuing the designation is entirely voluntary.

Representatives from the Wyoming Department of Health and the Wyoming EMS Program came to SMH in October to tour the Emergency Department (ED) and complete a final review to ensure the hospital met the criteria for the designation. The visit culminated with the officials presenting a plaque to Chief Nursing Officer Cathy Bealer, RN; Pediatricians: Suzanne Oss, MD and Michael Sanderson, MD; Emergency Dept. and Physician Champion Isaac Hayward, MD; Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator Teara Leibee, RN; Trauma Coordinator Toni Schoonover, RN; and Emergency Department Manager Julie Boyd, RN.

“We are very proud of our entire Emergency Department team for pursuing and successfully achieving the Pediatric Readiness designation. Undertaking this comprehensive process demonstrates to our community our expertise, preparedness, and capability to care for children at our hospital. It is yet another commitment and investment by our dedicated ED team to provide the best possible care,” according to Bealer.

“Earning and maintaining the Pediatric Receiving Facility recognition involves considerable effort. It is an ongoing process in which Teara, Toni and Dr. Hayward work with our physicians and nurses to complete special pediatric competencies and annual education,” Bealer added.

The Wyoming Pediatric Recognition Program, part of the Federal Pediatric Readiness Project, is an evidence-based approach to ensuring minimum services, equipment, disaster preparedness and staff competencies are in place in a facility that may treat an acutely injured or ill child in Wyoming.

Click Here to learn more about Emergency Services at Sheridan Memorial Hospital.

Saturday, October 15^th the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation hosted The Link – Partners in Pink, its 14^th annual run/walk to raise awareness and funding for cancer care and healing in our community. During the beautiful fall day, more than 400 participants, volunteers and cancer survivors were in attendance at Whitney Commons Park wearing their pink and big smiles in support of this event and the fight against all cancers.

The event proceeds of nearly $50,000 will support the Comfort Care Program at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Welch Cancer Center (WCC). The program is overseen by WCC Manager Tommi Ritterbusch. With the help of Tommi and her team, funds are made available to cancer patients facing all cancer types and help provide them with the most comfortable experience during their cancer journey.

“Each year is bit different, but the community’s interest and support for all those who face a cancer journey continues to grow. In the minds of all of us who participate, the day has become much more than a fundraiser,” according to Ada Kirven, Director of Donor Relations. “The Link is an October tradition for our community. The power of a large group—all of us there for the same reason, to recognize our loved ones and those touched by cancer.” Kirven goes on to say “When someone receives a diagnosis, the daily challenges of life can feel overwhelming—we want to show support and encourage people.”

The Link-Partners in Pink Committee thanks all those who participated, sponsored, made a donation and volunteered their time. Cancer education and prevention resources are now more accessible to our community, because of amazing and caring people.

For more information about the WCC’s Patient Comfort Care please contact the Welch Cancer Center at 307.674.6022.

Community members may call The Foundation at 307.673.2418 or visit sheridahospital.org for additional information about the hospital or this project.

By: Sherrie Reish, RN — Home Care and Hospice Manager

Providing care for patients in their own home has shown to be a very effective way to treat many health conditions and post-operative situations. In the last year, Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) Home Care/Hospice clinicians took care of 275 patients making over 4,500 visits to patient homes with positive patient outcomes.

Each November, we celebrate the millions of nurses, home care aides, therapists, social workers, chaplains and volunteers who make a remarkable difference for the patients and families they serve. These heroic caregivers play a central role in our healthcare system and in homes across the nation.

Home Care services are high-tech, and the workers are very skilled. An added benefit is that the home tends to be a more relaxed, less restricted environment where patients can feel comfortable and more in control. Not only can care be provided less expensively in the home, but evidence also suggests that home care is a key step toward achieving optimal health outcomes for many patients. Studies show that patients who have home health visits have improved quality of care and improved patient outcomes. These visits can also reduce hospitalizations due to chronic conditions or adverse events.

I can’t say enough about our caring, dedicated home care staff – they do so much for our patients – going above and beyond every day to serve our community with excellent patient-centered care. The last two years have been challenging due to obstacles presented by COVID, but that didn’t slow us down! Our staff members have tirelessly traveled throughout our community caring for people in their homes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, rain or shine! I am also proud to announce that SMH Hospice received the 2022 Hospice Honors Award for continuously providing the highest level of satisfaction through care as measured from the patient’s point of view!

Home Care Services through SMH

SMH Home Care provides care tailored to an individual’s needs.

Some of our skilled services include-

Skilled Nursing and Home Health Aide services:

Pain and symptom management, medication management, IV infusion therapy, central line care, wound and ostomy care, observation and assessment of the patient’s condition, training and education for patients and their families.

Physical and Occupational Therapy:

Assisting home care patients to attain their maximum level of safety and independence. Therapy can follow orthopedic surgery or be done after an acute, chronic illness when a person becomes weak or experiences a decline in functional status.

Speech Therapy:

For patients with speech and swallowing problems and cognitive therapy, this can be a follow-up after a stroke or other brain injury.

To receive SMH Home Care, individuals must meet specific eligibility requirements to qualify for insurance coverage. Patients may also elect to pay for Home Care services privately. A person’s eligibility and individual circumstances will be assessed to determine the appropriate level of home care services.

Home Care services may be requested by: physicians and healthcare providers, patients, family members, friends, representatives of other healthcare service providers, as well as hospital discharge planners and case managers.

Home Care services are often covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and Commercial Insurance while the patient qualifies for the skilled service.

Hospice Services through SMH

When a person has a serious illness or disease and is nearing the end of life’s journey, hospice care can be the support needed. Hospice care focuses on ensuring the quality of life rather than providing treatment to prolong life.

When treatment goals change from cure to relief of symptoms, SMH Hospice is here to take care of you and your family. If the time comes for you or your loved one to need hospice services, you can expect a high level of compassion from our staff and volunteers. The services we offer include:

Basic medical care with a focus on pain and symptom control
Assistance with medication, medical supplies & equipment as needed and appropriate
Support with the psychological, emotional, and spiritual end-of-life aspects
A break (respite care) for caregivers, family, and others providing care
Bereavement support & counseling

Common Myths about Hospice:

Myth: Hospice care is only for people with a few days or weeks to live.

Fact: While Hospice is available to help patients and families during a medical crisis, patients will receive the fullest benefit when pain and symptoms are managed early, giving them time to make personal and spiritual connections, leading to quality at end-of-life.

Myth: Hospice is only for people with cancer.

Fact: Hospice is for patients of any age with a prognosis of six months or less to live. Qualifying diagnosis may include end-stage cancer, dementia, heart disease, lung disease, end-stage renal disease, stroke or coma.

Myth: Only a doctor can refer a patient for Hospice care.

Fact: Hospice referrals can be made by physicians and healthcare providers, patients, family members, friends, representatives of other healthcare service providers, as well as hospital discharge planners and case managers.

Myth: SMH Hospice provides 24-hour care.

Fact: SMH Hospice does NOT provide 24-hour care. Nurses, Aides, our Social Worker, our Chaplain and our Volunteers make intermittent visits throughout the week to support the patient and caregiver, typically for an hour at a time. The number of visits per week is based on the patient’s needs. Nurses are on call 24 hours a day/7, days week.

For more information about these services, please call our Home Care and Hospice team at 307.672.1083

This Friday, October 21, Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) launches an expanded preventative health care program called HealtheLife® Fridays. The new program begins with wellness blood screenings, now called Patient Directed Lab Testing. The preventative panels – which do not require a physician order – include a Blood Chemistry Panel, CBC, PSA, HA1C and Vitamin D.

Andrea Paulson, SMH Laboratory Manager, says HealtheLife Fridays at Primary Care’s downtown location will be good for the community; “Moving our Patient Directed Lab Testing downtown and providing it once a month will streamline things for our patients. Our lab phlebotomists will conduct the blood draws in the spacious conference room and there is ample parking in the hospital’s lot across Gould Street.”

HealtheLife® Fridays will be offered on the 3rd Friday of each month at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Primary Care clinic located at 61 South Gould Street in downtown Sheridan. Tyler Crossley, SMH Primary Care Manager, says, “This new service is a way for us to bring exciting new preventative health opportunities to our community. At future HealtheLife Fridays, we look forward to offering more tests, screenings, and education – much like a traditional health fair.”

Online scheduling for this new program allows patients to schedule up to 3 months in advance. Patients may schedule appointments from 6:30 am to 11:30 am via the hospital’s website: sheridanhospital.org. Or patients may leave a message requesting an appointment at 675-4675. Hospital staff will return calls to schedule an appointment date and time.

Sign up for your Patient Directed Lab Tests by clicking HERE.

With October often comes the colors changing not only on the grass and trees, but pink is often around every corner you turn. This year marks the 14^th Annual Link Partners in Pink for the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation and our community. It was a hugely successful event with hundreds of participants, volunteers and cancer survivors in attendance. This year’s funds raised will go toward the Comfort Care Program at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Welch Cancer Center (WCC). These funds are available to cancer patients of all cancer types and providing them with the most comfortable experience during their cancer journey. But what exactly is comfort care and how does it provide needed resources to your neighbors, patients, and family?

Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Welch Cancer Center Comfort Care Program began with a few gifts to support the journey of cancer patients through their diagnosis and treatment. Now, through thoughtful and generous donations and memorials, Comfort Care provides this needed funding based on criteria set and the patient’s financial needs. These one-time grants enable the WCC team to help our patients and their families on a personal level. Grants may also be used to help with travel expenses associated with unexpected treatments or to aid patients in the region to travel to Sheridan for their necessary treatments. Our patients and staff are grateful for the funds as they cover numerous other resources, support programs, and other comfort-related items, including individual counseling.

Throughout the last year, these funds have provided:

20 Wigs, Caps, & Hats for patients on their journey through cancer treatment
114 bras & camis were provided for women undergoing mastectomy, lumpectomy or reconstructive surgery, each fitted by a specially trained RN for their individual and specific needs.
5 hotel stays have been provided to patients and their families to ensure their safety during winter months, housing for longer periods of treatment, and a home away from home while receiving care at the WCC.
76 bus rides have been paid for so our patients don’t have to worry about the logistics or cost of travel before and after their treatments.
12 gas cards were given to patients and their families for emergency travel when unexpected trips arose for patients with escalated health care needs at other hospital locations.

It is a gift to be able to support this pivotal part of care and healing for some of the most vulnerable patients in our community.

For more information about the WCC’s Patient Comfort Care please contact the Welch Cancer Center at 307.674.6022.

To make a donation to the WCC Patient Comfort Care Program or other vital healthcare programs, please call The Foundation at 307.673.2418.

Our volunteers and community members turned out to celebrate the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s 63^rd annual 5-Year-Old Birthday Party! We had the best time with all of the 5-year-olds (60 of them!) & families who came to celebrate with us at this year’s Birthday Party. From all of our Disney Friends & Story Book Characters, too, we wish a very Happy Birthday to all of you!

To get involved with The Auxiliary and next year’s 5-Year-Old Birthday Party visit https://www.sheridanhospital.org/community/volunteer-opportunities/ or contact Jasmine Slater at jasmineslater@sheridanhospital.org | 675.2620.

By Diana Charlson, FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Primary Care

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep-disordered breathing. It is caused when the upper airway temporarily closes or collapses. When this happens, the person either doesn’t breathe deep enough (hypopnea) or doesn’t breathe at all (apnea). These are brief episodes that typically happen multiple times throughout the night. During these episodes, the body is not getting appropriate oxygenation, which in turn impacts the entire body, and can cause various problems for people over time.

Because the episodes happen throughout the night, people often don’t know they have a problem. This can cause a delay in the condition getting diagnosed in a timely fashion. Many times, a person won’t get diagnosed for many years. Over time, a person will often begin experiencing symptoms secondary to the ongoing lack of appropriate oxygenation throughout the night. Some indications of OSA include snoring, witnessed apneic events during sleep, waking with headaches in the morning, feeling tired throughout the day, waking up gasping during the night, poor quality of sleep, not feeling rested upon waking, decreased vigilance, high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression.

Some risk factors for OSA include older age (prevalence increases from youth through the sixth to seventh decade), obesity, enlarged neck circumference, having a narrowed airway, family history, and using alcohol or other sedatives.

OSA is diagnosed with a sleep study. This is an overnight test that monitors breathing. In the past, a person needed to go to a formal sleep lab/office to perform a sleep study. However, newer technology allows some people to get a sleep study at home, in the comfort of their own bed! Although the home sleep study is not as comprehensive as the formal sleep lab study, it is still a valid test for many individuals.

The gold standard treatment for sleep apnea is a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. Basically, this machine delivers air pressure through a mask, keeping the upper airway open throughout the night and thus preventing hypopnea or apnea. There are other treatment options available, as well.

Long-term, if OSA is not treated, it can lead to many complications. Sometimes a person is diagnosed with OSA after they have been treated for high blood pressure and despite treatment, their blood pressure remains high, which then prompts evaluation into OSA. Other long-term complications include heart arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, stroke, and heart failure. It is also linked to insulin resistance, which is a concern for the development of type 2 diabetes. A person with OSA may have more complications with certain medications and major surgeries due to their breathing difficulties and being more prone to breathing problems. Cognition can also be impacted by difficulties with inattention, memory, depression, and anxiety.

Because the presentation of OSA is slow and symptoms may develop over time, it is often not diagnosed for many years. But again, over time, the complications from untreated OSA steadily increase. As we age, we are more prone to complications and often OSA is identified in older individuals. It is important to treat OSA to prevent complications and improve the overall quality of life for both you and anyone who must sleep in the same room as you (as often a person with OSA keeps other people awake at night!)

According to CardioSmart from the American College of Cardiology:

Sleep Apnea by the Numbers

More than 18 million adults Americans have sleep apnea.
One in four older people has some degree of sleep apnea.
4 out of 5 cases go undiagnosed.
It occurs in about half of people with heart failure or atrial fibrillation and one-third of people with hypertension and coronary artery disease.

OSA has also been linked to a host of serious cardiovascular problems, including:

Coronary artery disease (CAD), a narrowing of the blood vessels to supply oxygen to your heart
Heart attack – people with untreated OSA are twice as likely to have a heart attack
Stroke
Sudden cardiac death
High blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and other medical problems
Abnormal heart rhythms, especially atrial fibrillation; people with OSA are four times more likely to have a-fib than those without OSA.

If you have questions or concerns about the possibility of having Obstructive Sleep Apnea, please discuss this further with your healthcare provider.

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) and Big Horn Surgical welcome Josh Scott, MD. Dr. Scott joins Corey Jost, MD, Barry Mangus, MD and Sara Maguire, MD, in the hospital’s Big Horn Surgical practice.

Dr. Scott grew up in Sheridan and is happy to be back in a community that feels simultaneously new and familiar. “Much has changed in 25 years,” Dr. Scott said, “but there are so many great things that feel exactly the same.”

Dr. Scott didn’t realize he wanted to be a doctor until he was out of college, working in a research center and laboratory in Boston; he loved the science of his work but missed the people. He was deeply affected by the events of September 11, 2001, and realized the best next move for him was to become an army doctor, allowing him to give back in multiple ways. Dr. Scott was on active duty for eleven years and enjoyed the combination of medicine and the military.

Surgery pulled Dr. Scott in during medical school rotations, and he knew it was best suited for him because it allowed him to use his hands each day. He is drawn to the active atmosphere of the operating room, where he is on his feet and working in close connection with a team to help his patients.

His father, Dr. Tim Scott, practiced medicine for decades in Sheridan and is excited about what his son’s return means personally as well as for the people in the community. “Of course, we love having Josh, our daughter-in-law, and our grandchildren close by and what that will mean for our family,” the senior Dr. Scott said, “but we are also excited about what he brings to the people of Sheridan as a surgeon. His skillset in robotic general surgery, using minimally invasive techniques, will allow this program to grow.”

According to Holly Zajic, SMH Chief Ambulatory Officer, “We are so fortunate that Dr. Scott has chosen to come home to our community. His knowledge and expertise are huge assets; by teaching others, he will help us lead and grow the robotic-assisted surgery program.”

He is focused on doing the best job possible for the community of his youth, now the community of his children’s youth. Dr. Scott and his wife have two children, and on days off they can be found outdoors enjoying the wilds of Wyoming.

To find out more about Dr. Scott or the hospital’s Big Horn Surgical practice follow the respective link.

Audiology - Ivan point lion Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Audiology team is gearing up for National Audiology Awareness Month this October. This campaign was created to raise awareness of audiology and the importance of hearing protection in preventing noise-induced hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) affects many Americans. An estimated 12.5% of children and adolescents aged 6–19 years and 17% of adults aged 20–69 years have permanent damage to their hearing from excessive noise exposure.

Several autumn activities can cause noise-induced hearing loss without proper hearing protection. Prolonged exposure to the sounds of yard work tools, gunshots and motorized vehicles can all lead to irreversible hearing damage. Fortunately, you can take steps to keep your ears safe and prevent permanent hearing loss.

Leave Yard Care to the Professionals

Lawnmowers can create noise at 95 decibels, and leaf blowers produce 95 to 115 decibels of sound. Chainsaws are even noisier, with 106 to 120 decibels of sound. All emit unsafe noise levels (anything over 85 decibels can harm your hearing). Always wear hearing protection while doing yard work and consider investing in lawn tools with low decibel outputs.

Don’t Kill Your Hearing While Hunting

When you’re out in the wild, you’re focusing on the thrill of the elk/deer hunt, not on your ears. However, the noise from a gunshot, which measures between 120 and 130 decibels, is extremely hazardous to your hearing. Specially designed hunting earplugs or earmuffs are your best shot at preventing hearing loss.

Stay Away from Souped-Up Snowmobiles

Current snowmobiles are manufactured to emit 73 decibels, but modifying your snowmobile’s exhaust system can increase the decibel count to an unsafe level. It’s best to keep the original manufacturer’s exhaust system on a snowmobile to protect your hearing.

Be Aware While Enjoying Your ATV
ATV noise can reach around 92 decibels. Make your ride safer by remembering to wear hearing protection while engaging in any four-wheeling fun.

Preserve Your Hearing Health

Audiology Awareness Month is a great reminder to take care of your hearing. Consider getting a hearing test to confirm your hearing health or detect hearing loss. Shalyn “Shay” Ballew, AuD, has joined our audiology team within the past two months. We are here to keep your ears safe while you enjoy noisy activities—we offer custom hearing protection for maximum comfort and peace of mind. The Audiology office is located within the hospital’s Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic in the Outpatient Center.

If you have questions or want to set up an appointment, please call Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic at 307.675.4646.

As we approach World Heart Day, September 29, a day created to spread awareness about cardiovascular disease, we find it fitting to address ways to combat it. Here at Sheridan Memorial Hospital, we diagnose and treat many forms of heart disease. This article addresses Heart Failure, what it is, risk factors, diagnosis and self-care.

Heart failure is a very common disease affecting 6.2 million Americans (CDC September 8, 2020). It is more prevalent than all forms of cancer combined. Heart failure occurs when fluid accumulates in the body because the heart cannot pump efficiently. High blood pressure, diabetes, coronary artery disease and age can all contribute to causing this illness. Symptoms of heart failure can include fatigue, shortness of breath and swelling. As our population becomes older and more sedentary, we expect heart failure to become more widespread.

Prevention is the most effective measure for counteracting the risk factors that can lead to developing heart failure. There is ample medical evidence proving that a person can lower or prevent such risk factors as high blood pressure, diabetes, and coronary artery disease. It requires maintaining a healthy weight and diet and modifying certain lifestyle habits. If a person already has one or more risk factors, tight control of blood pressure or blood sugar and coronary artery disease can help prevent or delay the onset of heart failure. Even modest weight loss and increased cardio-respiratory fitness can significantly improve heart health.

There is some good news for those patients with a diagnosis of heart failure. Several medications produce wonderful results, including certain beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, aldosterone antagonists, and Entresto. Patients with heart failure are experiencing fewer symptoms and some are living longer. Other patients are benefiting from special pacemakers that synchronize the heart, allowing it to beat more efficiently. These special pacemakers can further reduce patient symptoms and improve survival.

When heart failure progresses to an advanced stage or warrants hospitalization, it becomes an identifying marker for patients who will require more intensive follow-up care for the rest of their life. As a cardiology office, we routinely see patients with a heart failure diagnosis. Our focus is on providing up-to-date medical management for heart failure. The program involves providing in-depth patient education and having patients monitor their weight, blood pressure and sodium intake daily. Patients must also watch for and report these early warning signs: feet and ankles swelling more than usual, breathing that becomes more difficult, or a weight gain of 3 pounds in two days. These signs might indicate that fluid is building up in the body. Early intervention ensures ongoing symptom management and overall well-being.

With heart failure becoming more widespread over the next few decades, our understanding of preventing and treating this disease will also continuously improve.

To learn more about Cardiology at Sheridan Memorial Hospital, plan to attend our Doc Talk at The Hub on Smith on Thursday, September 22, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. We will have representatives from our Heart Center and our Cardiac Catheterization Lab on hand to show you devices, including stents, implantable pacemakers, and defibrillators. They will explain when and how they are used, what they do, and how they can save a life. Bring your questions to this free public event. The Hub is located at 211 Smith Street.

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) is pleased to welcome Derek Redinger, DO, to the Internal Medicine Clinic in the hospital’s Outpatient Center. Dr. Redinger grew up in Big Horn and was drawn to return to SMH first and foremost because of the people of Sheridan. Dr. Redinger became interested in a career in medicine after his first high school Anatomy & Physiology class led him to volunteer at Sheridan Memorial. It felt natural for him to return to SMH to begin his career in medicine after building so many connections at the hospital throughout his childhood and adolescence.

While Dr. Redinger’s initial interest was in surgery, he decided to specialize in Internal Medicine because he is dedicated to building strong relationships with his patients and knows that in this setting, he will be able to spend enough time with people to do so. One of his biggest goals is to get to know his patients when they are well so he can understand their desires for health and well-being, in addition to helping them recover when they are ill or struggling.

Dr. Redinger was mentored during his residency by Dr. Kristopher Schamber, Internal Medicine physician and he is excited to begin his career working with the Internal Medicine team. “I felt welcomed by the team immediately,” he said, “and I know I will be supported by the other physicians as we work together to provide excellent patient-centered care to the people of Sheridan.”

When he’s not at work, Dr. Redinger and his wife can enjoy the great outdoors hiking, mountain biking, fishing and camping. He looks forward to returning to Wyoming hunting this fall after being away for years.

To find out more about Dr. Redinger or our Internal Medicine practice, follow the respective link, or to schedule an appointment, call 307.675.2650.

Anne Hinman was kind enough to leave this 5 star google review about Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Wyoming Rehab: “I could not have been happier with the treatment and personal care of this team! I messed up my back and was in a lot of pain. Jeanne was able to squeeze me in for a consultation and really took the time to figure out where my pain was coming from and how to treat it. Highly recommend this clinic.”

Anne said a friend of hers recommended Wyoming Rehab – so she went to the hospital’s website and learned about the Free Screenings for non-emergent issues.

“I am a bit embarrassed to say that I had begun lifting weights and was experiencing “very much” pain – I’m 27 and was scared that I had really done something bad to my back and I hoped that physical therapy might help. It was awesome that Jeanne Brooks could fit me in the same day as I called Wyoming Rehab.

Jeanne checked out my back and walked me through some activities and motions that helped loosen up my back. It was a lot more help than I was expecting on a screening visit. Jeanne also gave me a list of things that I could do on my own to help alleviate the pain and relax my back.

Jeanne also said that I was welcome to come back for more help if need be, but I am doing fine on my own now. If I ever have an injury, I know I would go back to Wyoming Rehab.”

If you have nagging aches or pains, give Wyoming Rehab a call today to schedule a non-emergent free screening – 307.674.1632.

It is with great anticipation that Sheridan Memorial Hospital and The Foundation announces the official opening of the new Transitional Care Unit – right here at home. The expansion of our transitional care services meets the changing needs of our patients and is an investment in healthcare for the future of our community and the region.

The new Transitional Care space on the 2nd and 3rd floors of our hospital building were opened to patients on September 12^th and includes 20 comfortable private suites, each with its own bathroom. A separate dining area and spacious therapy gym – both with striking views of the Big Horn Mountains – make the 15,600 square feet space a welcome expansion from our current 8-bed unit.

“The response from our community in support of the new Transitional Care Expansion is truly remarkable,” shares Director of Donor Relations, Ada Kirven. “We are grateful to the over 1,000 local foundations, donors, physicians, and employee partners who contributed to the Transitional Care Expansion project. We celebrate the opening of this expansion and the donor’s generosity that made this all possible. Their support ensures families and friends have a recuperative and supportive place to heal following an injury, surgery, or serious illness right here at home.”

“The hospital is thrilled to be repurposing these floors of the main hospital and see patients return to this space that was originally used to care for our community members when the hospital opened in 1954,” stated Cody Sinclair, Chief Development Officer. “We are so excited to get to share this with everyone and what this expanding services means for our families, our friends, and our entire community.”

To learn more about Transitional Care or The Foundation, click on the respective link or call our offices at 307.673.2418.

The Sheridan County Sportsmen’s Association (SCSA) presented a check for $10,000 to the Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) Foundation for the Welch Cancer Center. The funds are proceeds from the June 2022 Cancer Benefit Trap Shoot. Tracy Landeis, Trap Director at SCSA says, “The shoot was an enormous success with 70 shooters and many volunteers helping to make it all possible.”

According to Ada Kirven, SMH Foundation Director of Donor Relations, “This event was a huge success, and the funds raised will directly support our patient comfort care program at the Welch Cancer Center. This fund helps our patients and their families, and it’s designed to make the cancer journey more comfortable for those facing treatment and survivorship.”

With this latest donation, over the last several years, the Sportsmen’s Association has raised more than $26,000 for the Cancer Center. According to Landeis, “The hospital foundation partnered with the trap shooters. Without all the volunteers, shooters, and sponsors, we would never have been able to pull off this event. The committee members who coordinated the event include Tracy Landeis, Sally Labore, Jerry Reed, Lyle Brice, Trudy Brice, Ada Kirven, and Cecile Pattison. Many others joined in to help before, during, and after the event.”

Kirven also stressed that “Cancer Screening and Early Detection Saves Lives. Our medical team encourages everyone to visit their doctor and follow the recommended screening guidelines, and prevention lifestyle behaviors. Sheridan is quite fortunate to have the Welch Cancer Center available for our loved ones to access treatment and supportive care right here at home.”

Pictured left to right above: Tracy Landeis presents Ada Kirven with the $10,000 check. Cody Sinclair, Chief Development Officer; Cathy Bealer, Chief Nursing Officer; DaLisa Morrison, Welch Cancer Center Clinical Nurse Supervisor and Lori Karajanis, Welch Cancer Center Nurse Navigator.

To learn more about the Welch Cancer Center, click HERE.

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