PLANETREE POSITIVELY AFFECTS PATIENT EXPERIENCE AT WPH

CODY, Wyo. —Patients at Planetree hospitals have better experiences, according to a comparison of affiliate hospitals on HCAHPS.

HCAHPS, or the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems, is a standardized system of measuring and reporting patient satisfaction created by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal agency that administers Medicare and Medicaid.

The HCAHPS survey asks patients 27 questions about their hospital experience, ranging from questions about the environment, such as cleanliness and noise, to clinical outcomes, such as pain management.

Those 27 questions reflect 10 satisfaction measures: how well nurses and doctors communicate with patients, how responsive the hospital staff is to patient needs, how well the hospital staff helps manage pain, how well the staff communicates with the patient about medicines, whether pertinent information was provided when the patient was discharged, the cleanliness and quietness of the patient’s room, the overall rating of the hospital and whether the patient would recommend the hospital to others.

The average score of the 68 Planetree affiliates is higher than the national average in each category, with markedly higher scores in overall satisfaction and willingness to recommend.

The comparison includes all 68 Planetree affiliates whose HCAHPS data is currently available on the CMS Hospital Compare website. The data is from patients discharged between October 2008 and September 2009, which is the most current accurate data available through HCAHPS.

The HCAHPS scores show West Park Hospital specifically excels in categories related to communicating with and response to patients. WPH scored a 79 in nursing communication, while the national average is 63. Physician communication also is above average. WPH staff response also is well above average, with WPH rating a 71 compared with a national average of 63. West Park Hospital’s highest score, for discharge information, is 86. The national average is for discharge information is 81, and the highest score in the group of 68 Planetree affiliates is just two points higher, at 88.

“Just because our scores are above the national average doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement,” Planetree Coordinator Dawn Garrison said. “We are constantly looking for ways to improve our patients’ experience, and Planetree helps us with that as well.”

In addition to providing WPH with the affiliate comparisons, Planetree also provides HCAHPS “toolkits” with suggestions for improving scores.

Some of the suggestions WPH has implemented from the toolkits include aromatherapy, reduced overhead paging, implementing a new staff-recognition program and beside shift reports.

In addition, WPH is reviewing other toolkit ideas for future implementation. One such idea is assigning a patient advocate to ensure any problems patients have are resolved during their stay rather than after they are discharged.

“We would rather proactively create a better healing environment for our patients while they’re here, rather than react to the HCAHPS scores after they’re gone, when it’s much harder to identify and address specific problems,” Garrison said.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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WPH HONORED FOR COMMITMENT TO PATIENT SAFETY, QUALITY

CODY, Wyo. — West Park Hospital recently won Yellowstone Insurance Exchange’s “2009 Gold Recognition Award” in recognition of its commitment to quality and patient safety.

West Park Hospital was one of three facilities out of 23 in the insurance exchange that earned the Gold Recognition Award for its performance on specific national measures of health care quality and risk management.

Hospitals were eligible for two types of Quality Recognition Awards: the Gold Recognition Award and the Quality Improvement Recognition Award. Member hospitals throughout Montana, Idaho, New Mexico and Wyoming were eligible to apply for the awards.

Criteria for the Gold Recognition Award included implementation of patient safety practices, education of the hospital board, staff and physicians, and performance on national quality-of-care standards.

The award was presented to CEO Doug McMillan and Director of Quality and Risk Management Vicki Carrafa, RN, during Yellowstone Insurance Exchange’s annual conference July 12-14 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

“Our concern for patient safety and quality care is always at the forefront of what we do,” Carrafa said. “The Gold Award is a nice recognition of our progress, but we will continue to strive for even greater achievement.”

“The importance of patient safety and health care quality has never been more apparent than now,” said Sheryl Rickard, chair of risk management at Yellowstone Insurance Exchange. “West Park Hospital has worked hard to meet those standards, and we congratulate them on their achievement.”

Yellowstone Insurance Exchange is a member-owned insurance company providing professional liability insurance to member hospitals and is endorsed by the Montana Healthcare Association and the Wyoming and New Mexico hospital associations.

West Park Hospital is one of 14 founding members of the exchange eight years ago.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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WPH WEBSITE INTENDED TO BE A RESOURCE FOR VISITORS, PATIENTS

CODY, Wyo. — Wondering how long you need to fast before a HealthCheck blood draw? What the hours of the Urgent Care Clinic are? How to contact a West Park Hospital patient?

The answers to these questions and more are available on the WPH website, www.westparkhospital.org.

Access to information is one of the keys to the hospital’s Planetree philosophy of patient-centered, holistic care, and the WPH website is a resource that is available to patients, families and Park County residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even after the front-desk receptionist has gone home for the night.

Following is a “mouse around” the WPH homepage:

• Online physician directory: Find information about members of West Park Hospital’s medical staff, including their educational background, professional interests, specialties and contact information.
• Job opportunities: Browse current job openings, including job descriptions, without having to leave home.
• A directory of WPH departments and services: View department hours, staff and contact information; it’s easier to use than the phone book.
• A link to the WPH Foundation website: Donate online, contact the WPH Foundation directly and learn about the WPH Foundation Board and projects.
• Events calendar: Browse WPH community events, support groups and local health and wellness events.
• Patient Greetings: Send a greeting to a WPH inpatient, which will be delivered to their room.
• CarePages link: Create a CarePage to support or keep in touch with a friend or loved one who is hospitalized, undergoing long-term treatment, having a baby or living in the Long Term Care Center.
• Important information for before, during and after a procedure or hospitalization: Review billing and payment options, identify the chapel and family rooms for your visitors, learn about “patient-directed” visiting hours and more.
• Get the facts about the WPH modernization project: Link to www.thefutureofwph.org for a video tour of the emergency department, testimonials and background information about WPH and modernization project.
• Visit the Women’s Health Pavilion: See photos of the Women’s Health Pavilion, view resources for parents and parents-to-be, get a schedule of upcoming free childbirth education classes and link to the WPH online nursery.
• Latest News: Keep up what’s happening at West Park Hospital by reading news releases about events, new services, hospital awards, outstanding staff and other newsworthy stories going back more than a year.

In addition to the information above, www.westparkhospital.org includes information about the hospital’s Planetree philosophy; its mission, vision and values; the senior leadership team; the publicly elected trustees and the benefits of and requirements for volunteering at WPH.

And as a fluid medium, the Internet allows West Park Hospital to update and expand its website as technology, the Big Horn Basin and the hospital continue to grow. One service in the planning stages is providing online bill pay for patients through the website, which will be implemented as WPH performs its system-wide technology upgrade during the coming year.

And finally, there’s also a place to send feedback, about the website itself or any topic, the goal of  www.westparkhospital.org is to bring WPH to the Big Horn Basin.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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MAINTAINING RELATIONSHIPS IS KEY TO MAINTAINING END-OF-LIFE DIGNITY

CODY, Wyo. — Death and dying are uncomfortable subjects for most people.

When a friend or loved one receives a terminal diagnosis, many people don’t know what to say or how to respond. So rather than supporting a dying person, that

discomfort can isolate family and

friends, just when the patient needs support the most, Spirit Mountain Hospice Spiritual Counselor Randy Leisey said.

“Studies confirm this,” he said. “Often because of discomfort, people do not maintain or they begin to curtail their relationship with those who have been
informed that they are dying. You don’t have to have anything profound to say to that person.
You just have to maintain that relationship. Presence is everything; we call it ‘the ministry of presence.’”

Leisey believes that the construction of a hospice house in the Big Horn Basin will help people maintain those personal relationships by providing a welcoming space for patients, families and friends.

“Often it’s more comfortable for people to stop and visit a friend or relative if they’re in a facility — a nursing home, hospital or hospice house — rather than at home,” he said. “I think there’s more of a drop-in attitude. Visitors aren’t worrying about disrupting a whole household.”

A facility also has nurses, nursing assistants and receptionists who can act as gatekeepers and limit visitation when a patient is resting, undergoing a treatment or wants private time, Leisey said. At a private residence, patients and families who have guests drop by might feel obligated to accommodate the visitors, he said.

Leisey has been a minister with the United Church of Christ for 37 years and has 16 years of experience as a spiritual counselor for hospice organizations.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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WPH TO HOLD EDUCATIONAL MODERNIZATION PRESENTATIONS IN POWELL

CODY, Wyo. — West Park Hospital’s Modernization Project is headed for a vote during the Aug. 17 primary, and the hospital is busy giving educational presentations to community, religious and service groups across Park County.

Upcoming public presentations are scheduled in Powell for Wednesday, July 28, from 3-5 p.m. and Tuesday, Aug. 3, from 5:30-7 p.m. Both will be held in Fagerberg Room 70 at Northwest College.

The presentation will cover topics such as West Park Hospital’s three-phase master facilities plan, how the current Modernization Project (phase two) will physically change WPH and what it will mean for patients, residents and voters.

West Park Hospital District staff and elected trustees will be present to answer questions about the proposed Modernization Project.

Anyone interested in learning more about the proposal is invited to attend. If community members cannot make it to an educational presentation, there are several other ways to get the facts about the proposed Modernization Project.

Information is available at www.TheFutureOfWPH.org, including the slideshow presented at the community forums, a video tour of the WPH emergency department guided by Dr. Kirk Bollinger, Q&As about the project and background information about West Park Hospital District and the Modernization Project.

In addition, WPH staff, physicians and trustees are scheduled to discuss the project July 22 and Aug. 2 on “Partyline,” which is broadcast on KODI (1400am) and KZMQ (1140am) at 8:30 in the morning. Hospital district representatives will follow up the Aug. 2 “Partyline” broadcast with a forum on “Speak Your Piece,” which airs on KODI from 9-10 a.m.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO HEART HEALTH RETURNS TO WPH

CODY, Wyo. — Residents with heart problems can once again obtain help locally, as West Park Hospital has restarted its cardiac rehab program.

Cardiac rehab is a multidisciplinary approach to helping those who have had heart surgery, heart attacks, stents, catheterizations or other heart procedures or problems recover in a monitored, safe environment.

Park County Commissioner Bill Brewer is the first patient to use the service at WPH since it was restarted. Brewer, a Cody resident, had been driving to Powell three times a week for cardiac rehab after he suffered a heart attack on New Year’s Day.

“I really do believe in the program,” he said. “It helps quite a bit to regain your strength.”

Brewer stresses that his switch from Powell to Cody was merely for convenience and economics.

“Powell does a good job,” he said. “But when you’re driving 150 miles

a week, and it’s through road construction, I just decided

I’d rather be here.”

“You’re electronically monitored while you’re exercising, and we gradually increase the exercise tolerance over 36 sessions,” said Marleah Lehman, who along with Joyce Anderson and Gail Parker was responsible for getting the program back up and running.

Cardiac rehab combines that monitored exercise with cardiac education, nutrition education, smoking cessation assistance, pharmacological treatment and other lifestyle and wellness changes to help patients recover after a cardiac event.

Cardiac rehab requires a physician to be “on-site,” and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services — one of several groups that regulates such programs nationwide — doesn’t recognize emergency department doctors as “on-site” physicians.

“When the internists moved out of the Coe Building, that’s when we had to stop doing cardiac rehab,” Lehman said.

With three hospitalists now on-site, WPH is able to offer the cardiac rehab service to residents once more. Hospitalist and board-certified internal medicine physician Dr. Kim Slight is also the medical director of the program.

Having a local program can greatly affect patients’ recovery after a heart problem, Lehman said. While Brewer was dedicated enough and had the time and ability to drive 50 miles a day for his rehabilitation, not all patients can or will do that, which means they don’t receive the follow-up they need. And that can lead to further cardiac complications down the road.

For more information about cardiac rehab, call 578-2723 or e-mail cardiacrehab@ wphcody.org.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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ARTIST GIVES BACK TO MEDICAL COMMUNITY BY BEAUTIFYING WPH

CODY, Wyo. — When Bonnie Capron-Decker was asked by her friend and WPH employee Lee Niziolek to paint a mural in the hospital’s basement, she saw it as an opportunity.

Bonnie’s mother had been served by Niziolek at Spirit Mountain Hospice, and her daughter is battling a rare form of cancer.

“Along the way, we have met some very kind and generous people,” she said. “It’s a way for me to give back for what we’ve received and do something for somebody else. It’s just nice to give something back to the community, physicians and other caregivers who’ve been so good to us.”

Bonnie, a member of the Cody Country Art League, started painting the mid-1970s, when she heard a radio ad for art classes at the CCAL through Northwest College.

Her first class was taught by Mel Fillerup.

“I had never taken any art class before, so he had his work cut out for him,” she said.

After getting her brush wet in Fillerup’s class, each following semester she took one art class, sometimes repeating ones she especially enjoyed. The ongoing coursework also encouraged her to continue painting.

“When you take a class from different instructors, you get different points of view,” she said. “So finally, in 1991, I graduated from Northwest College.”

Painting the WPH mural — a Southfork landscape with Carter Mountain dominating one side of the hallway and Castle Rock on the other — became similarly drawn out.

“When Lee and I first talked, it was just one wall,” she said. “But the project grew to be an extension on the one wall and encompass the wall across the hall.”

In all, Bonnie donated 296 hours to the project. The Carter Mountain side is 45 feet, 6 inches long and 44 inches tall, while the Castle Rock side is 27 feet long and 44 inches tall.

And while the pitted and rough canvas of a concrete-block wall might discourage some painters, Bonnie was up to the challenge.

“I paint on everything,” she said, recalling saws, eggs, ornaments and other everyday objects she has turned into art. “I like the challenge of making the paint do what I want it to do.”

She also has painted several other large murals, notably visual representations of Bible verses for the children’s nursery at First Presbyterian Church, as well as murals in private homes and homes she has lived in over the years.

In addition to landscapes, Bonnie paints portraits, animals upon request and flowers.

“I love flowers,” she said of her favorite subject. “I’m an avid gardener.”

The mural is in the WPH basement in the hallway next to the medical records and IT departments.

More than just beautification
Studies have revealed that certain types of artwork, colors and decorations can create more healing environments. Healing Environments also is one of the 10 tenets of the Planetree philosophy of patient-centered care.

The book Planetree book “Putting Patients First” describes a variety of ways that visual and other forms of art can be used in health-care settings.

“While many studies document the psychological effects of the arts on health and healing, many hospitals choose to include a variety of arts simply for their usefulness as “positive distractions,” offering diversions from anxiety, discomfort, and loneliness,” Roger Ulrich and Laura Gilpin wrote in the “Healing Arts” chapter of “Putting Patients First.”

A 2002 study at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston conducted by American Art Resources “showed that the artwork made both patients and staff feel better, served as a positive distraction or patients and a de-stressor for staff, helped to de-institutionalize the ‘hospital’ image and enhance the overall image of the hospital as a healing environment.”

Nature and landscape themes are especially popular.

According to a 2008 study at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in Houston conducted by American Art Resources, patients preferred nature images over popular abstract art, especially landscapes.

“In fact, simple nature scenes were preferred to the Van Gogh and the Chagall,” the study concludes.

West Park Hospital has made significant positive changes since it adopted the Planetree philosophy of patient-centered care more than five years ago, including remodeling patient rooms, opening the Women’s Health Pavilion, implementing ongoing Planetree retreats to educate and train staff in patient-centered care, starting a recycling program, becoming a smoke-free campus, implementing a pet therapy program, constructing the Seedlings Center day care and partnering with the Park County Library to create Planetree Health Resource Center, among other accomplishments.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

Return to Main News Page >

WPH GETS $1 MILLION SLIB GRANT FOR MODERNIZATION, IF OK'D BY VOTERS

CODY, Wyo. — The State Loan and Investment Board has awarded West Park Hospital a $1 million grant for its Modernization Project, contingent on the hospital’s specific-purpose tax being passed by voters during the Aug. 17 primary election.

The primary ballot will include a measure for a 1 percent specific-purpose tax to raise $14.2 million for the second phase of WPH’s master facilities plan, which includes demolition of the vacant Coe Building to make room for the expansion of the emergency department and relocation of key patient services. 

The WPH Board of Trustees has approved using $12 million of the hospital’s reserves to fund the balance of the second phase.

WPH also received a $1 million SLIB grant in 2008, which is paying for the initial design and planning of the Modernization Project.

The grant is administered by The Business Council, an arm of Wyoming government that provides financing for publicly owned infrastructure that serves the needs of businesses and promotes economic development within the state’s communities.

West Park Hospital was one of 20 entities that received SLIB funds of the 52 groups that applied. Receipt of the money is contingent on Park County voters approving the hospital’s specific-purpose tax during the Aug. 17 primary election.

Completion of the emergency department renovation would add more than 110,000 square feet to the hospital and greatly improve patient privacy and safety.  The project also involves shelled-in space for additional patient rooms to be completed in phase three and to be used pending changes in federal regulations.

The first phase of the master facilities plan was transferring medical office space from the deteriorating Coe Building to the Cathcart Health Center.

The third phase will include relocation of patient rooms and the kitchen — moving it closer to the Long Term Care Center, where most of the hospital’s meals are served — and several other projects to be funded internally as assets become available.

Project updates are available online at www.TheFutureofWPH.org, including an educational video tour of the emergency department narrated by Dr. Kirk Bollinger.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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CODY VOLUNTEER EMS EDUCATION FUND AWARDS $5,250 IN SCHOLARSHIPS

CODY, Wyo. — The Cody Volunteer EMS Education Fund has awarded seven $750 scholarships to children of current and former volunteer emergency responders.

The recipients are:

• Malory Hart, daughter of Alden Hart, EMT Intermediate, and Tara Hart, EMT Basic. Malory is a student at Northwest College working toward admission into the nursing program.
• Will Weiser, son of Tommie Weiser, EMT Intermediate. Will is attending Black Hills State University with a major in biology and a minor in business. 
• Randy and Rick Binder, sons of Julie Binder, EMT Basic. Randy is a student at Northwest College, working on general studies with an interest in sports medicine. Rick is planning on attending Union College in Lincoln, Neb., where he has been accepted into the International Rescue and Relief program. He also would like to pursue a master’s degree as a physician assistant.
• Darcie McColl, EMT Intermediate. McColl has been an EMT at West Park Hospital for six years and will continue a career in the medical field by studying nursing at Northwest College.
• Jacque Harvey, EMT Intermediate. Harvey has been an EMT at West Park Hospital for four years. She is enrolled at Casper College and would like to further her career in the medical profession.
• Katrina Rae Barnett, daughter of Dawna Barnett, First Responder. Katrina recently graduated from Cody High School and would like to attend Northwest College in Powell to pursue welding.

Eligible for a scholarship were children of active EMS members, grandchildren of active EMS members being raised in the home of an active member, children of deceased active members, stepchildren of legally married active members and active members.

Funds are for tuition and purchasing books and equipment pertaining to an applicant’s desired field of study. The money can be used for any field of study except by active EMS members, who must use it for advancement in the medical field.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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FORMER CODY MAYOR FIRST TO UNDERGO ADVANCED PROCEDURE AT WPH

CODY, Wyo. — Jack Skates has a family history of vascular problems.

His mother died of complications from an abdominal aortic aneurysm, even after it was diagnosed and surgically fixed. At that time, repairing such an aneurysm required open surgery, which in the best cases requires a long incision in the abdomen and a lengthy hospital stay.

“She lasted about four days after surgery,” Skates said. “And she was pretty healthy going in.”

A skilled medical team equipped with advanced technology was able to diagnose and treat the former Cody mayor without the complications his mother faced during the same procedure decades ago.

“Treatment for symptomatic or growing abdominal aortic aneurysms has changed dramatically in the last decade,” general and vascular surgeon Dr. Bill Evans said. “Minimally invasive surgical techniques have replaced traditional open surgery for most patients.”

The first symptom Skates felt was an ache in his legs. Not knowing where to turn, he went to see Dr. Frank Schmidt, who took X-rays and was able to rule out Skates’ knees as the source.

Dr. Schmidt sent Skates to WPH’s imaging department to follow up, where Dr. Travis Graham located an AAA. Before he arrived home from WPH, Dr. Graham had called Dr. Schmidt with his findings, and by that afternoon, Skates had an appointment to see Dr. Evans.

“Mine was eating from the inside of the aorta out; it was kind of rusting away,” Skates said. “It had gone through two layers, and if it’d gone through the third, I would have been history.”

Soon, Skates would be the first patient to undergo the minimally invasive AAA repair at West Park Hospital.

Dr. Evans met with Skates for several hours to explain the surgery and answer any questions Skates had.

“I’ve never had a doctor explain the procedure like he did,” Skates said. “He’s such a pleasant fellow, and his nurse is excellent. She’s something else.”

“During endovascular aortic repair, the aneurysm is repaired from the inside using a metal-and-cloth device known as a ‘stent graft’ and X-ray imaging equipment to ‘see’ inside the body,” said Dr. Evans. “The stent graft is most often delivered through a small puncture in a peripheral artery (usually the femoral artery in the groin) and positioned across the aneurysm to seal it off and greatly minimize the risk of future rupture.”

And while he was the first to have the procedure done at West Park Hospital, because of Dr. Evans’ vast experience performing endovascular surgeries, he wasn’t worried about the outcome.

“It didn’t concern me doing it here,” Skates said. “In fact, I thought it was great we could do it here. It made it a lot easier for my family.”

And instead of the week or more in the hospital — much of it spent in the ICU — required for open surgery, he was out after two nights.

“That was a piece of cake,” he said of the recovery.

“Overall, the success of this new technology has been excellent,” Dr. Evans said. “Hospital stays are minimal, and complication rates are a fraction of those related to open surgery for AAA.”

What is AAA?

Abdominal aortic aneurysm, or AAA, is a bulge in the major artery of the abdomen that carries blood from the heart to the lower half of the body.

Early signs and symptoms of AAA are often subtle or nonexistent. Until the aneurysm expands or ruptures — often a catastrophic, life-threatening event — most victims have no idea of their risk.

AAA is the 13th leading cause of death in America, and the people at highest risk live right here in northern Wyoming: white male smokers (both past and current) over the age of 55 who might also have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a family history of AAA.

Screening for AAA is a simple procedure that uses ultrasound to visualize the aorta and assess for enlargement (aneurysm formation).

Men and women with one or more of the risk factors above should be screened for AAA, but especially white males older than 55 who have smoked at any time in their lives.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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NEW DIRECTOR WILL BUILD WPH FOUNDATION AWARENESS, ENDOWMENT

CODY, Wyo. — New foundation director Rebecca Rych brings 10 years’ experience in health care and higher education fundraising to West Park Hospital.

Rych recently moved to Cody from Las Vegas, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and a master’s degree in public administration and nonprofit management.

Her goals as director are to increase public awareness of the WPH Foundation and to ensure its long-term financial sustainability in
order to fund programs and equipment that benefit WPH patients, families and visitors.

Rych is a past member of AAUW, Rotary, Shriners, various chambers

of commerce and the St. Jude Ranch for Children, and she plans to

continue her community involvement in Cody.

“I’m excited to meet all the great people in Cody and get involved in this vibrant community,” she said. “The people of West Park Hospital and Cody are the main reason I chose to come here.”

Rych can be reached at 578-2338 or rrych@wphcody.org.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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ER ENTRANCE TO TEMORARILY CLOSE FOR REPAVING

People seeking emergency care should use hospital’s front entrance June 14-15

CODY, Wyo. — The emergency entrance on the north side of West Park Hospital will be closed June 14 and 15 so crews can repave the area torn up during installation of the hospital’s new generators.

People needing emergency medical care should enter through WPH’s main entrance near the Buffalo Bill “Scout” statue and go straight back to reach the ER. Signs also will be posted outside and within the hospital to help direct patients.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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FORTY-MILE WALK BENEFITS BREAST CANCER RESEARCH, SCREENING

CODY, Wyo. — A West Park Hospital nurse supervisor is planning to walk nearly 40 miles in two days to benefit breast cancer research, screening and education.

The event — one of several each year that Avon organizes around the country — will be the fourth Libby Reineman has participated in. Previously, Reineman has walked once in Denver and twice in Tampa, Fla. This year,

she’s traveling to San Francisco on July 10-11.

“It’s very, very emotional because there are so many survivors who do the walk,” Reineman said. “Some people do it just to do good, some people walk for someone.”

The participants, which can be as many as 2,000 people, walk

a predetermined route of 26.2 miles the first day and 13.1

miles the second.

They spend the night at a “tent city” set up by local Boy Scouts, with dancing, skits and other entertainment. Add to that the opening and closing ceremonies, and “it’s definitely an event,” Reineman said.

“It’s very well-organized, and you feel very well-taken-care-of,” she said.

In addition to Reineman, two Powell women, Lisa Horton and Marilyn Sims are traveling to San Francisco for the walk. Their team is the Powell Pink Panthers.

“There are some teams that are 100 people,” Reineman said.

Walkers have to commit to raise at least $1,800 dollars. Reineman raises as much as she can and donates the difference herself.

“I usually don’t have a hard time when I do it here in Cody,” she said. “People here really want to help.”

For anyone who donates, she puts their name or a memorial on a shirt that she wears for the walk.

For more information or to donate on behalf of Reineman or the Powell Pink Panthers, visit www.avonwalk.org or call 899-6420.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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VOLUNTEER GIFT SHOP GIVES BACK TO HOSPITAL DEPARTMENTS, PATIENTS

CODY, Wyo. — In addition supporting West Park Hospital patients, visitors and employees by volunteering their time, the members of the Auxiliary Gift Shop also donate a significant portion of their proceeds to help support patient-centered care.

Each spring, interested departments are asked to submit a request for funds for Gift Shop volunteers to review. They then choose which requests to support with the available funds, with a focus on those that improve experiences for WPH patients or LTCC residents.

This year, the Gift Shop donated nearly $5,000, which will benefit patients throughout the facility via seven different WPH departments.

In 2010, the Gift Shop funded:

• A pediatric anti-germ station for the emergency department.
• A picnic table for the Seedlings Center.
• A webcam for the OB department so faraway families can view births and newborns; this had been a request from several families who had loved ones serving in the military overseas.
• Toys, puzzles and games for pediatric and juvenile patients.
• A donation to the hospice house capital campaign.
• A VCR/DVD player for dialysis patients.
• A pulse oximeter to measure oxygen saturation and vital signs in LTCC residents.

“It’s great to see the kids’ faces light up when they get one of the toy bags,” said WPH employee Sherry Stroble, who often hands them out. “It’s a little thing that really brightens up their day and makes a big difference to them.”

“All of the donations we’ve received from the Gift Shop have benefitted our pediatric patients,” said emergency department manager Lynette Barsness. “Thanks to them, we’ve been able to purchase books, wheelchairs, games and our anti-germ station, all for our smallest visitors.”

The WPH Auxiliary Gift Shop is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Each month, the Gift Shop features a sale on select items. For example, in June all dog and cat merchandise is 20 percent off, and in July, red, white and blue-themed merchandise is discounted.

Volunteers are always needed as substitute, short-term and long-term clerks. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, contact Joel Hunt at 578-2512 or jhunt@wphcody.org.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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RANGE OF NURSING DISCIPLINES REPRESENTED IN 2010 NURSING AWARDS

CODY, Wyo. — The scope of nursing encompasses a wide range of disciplines and skills, ranging from technical work such as starting IVs and taking vital signs, to outreach such as patient, staff and community education, to organizational support such as making sure health care environments are safe for patients and staff and our communities are prepared for pandemics, disasters or outbreaks.

The winners of West Park Hospital’s 2010 National Nursing Week awards represent that range of disciplines, from nurses who care for the same patients or residents nearly every day to those who treat a tourist in the ER and might never see them again.

National Nurses Week begins May 6 each year and ends May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.

Marlene Sanders Nurse of the Year: Keith Ungrund

Ungrund is a nighttime house supervisor.

“Keith is the calm before, during and after the storm,” according to his nominations for the award. “As a supervisor, Keith is well-respected and admired. Keith is clearly comfortable making tough decisions and easy to talk to when you have problem.”

Ungrund is the former nurse manager of the WPH emergency department, and as a house supervisor, interacts with many other departments on a nightly basis.

The award is named after a former WPH emergency department nurse manager who was a compassionate and skilled nurse, mentor and teacher.

While National Nurses Week officially only recognizes nurses, the committee that oversees the awards has chosen to include all direct patient caregivers, such as nursing assistants, surgical techs, unit clerks and environmental services staff who work in patient areas, with a specific category open these nursing “partners.”

“Our nurses get a lot of help in providing quality patient-centered care,” WPH Director of Patient Care Services Vicki Quirk said. “Our National Nurses Week Committee decided to recognize members of the entire patient-care team in addition to our nurse caregivers.”

The Cathy Jansma Partner in Nursing Excellence: Kandy Mittlieder

Kandy Mittlieder moved to Cody from California in 2004 after 13 years working as a medical assistant for a vascular surgeon.  Kandy completed the certified nursing assistant training program at the Long Term Care Center and worked as a CNA and restorative aide before accepting the position of unit clerk in 2006.

Upon receiving the Cathy Jansma Partner in Nursing Excellence award Mittlieder stated, “This was a wonderful honor, and the
LTCC is a great place to work.” 

The award is named in honor and memory of a former WPH nursing assistant.

Nominees for the two above awards had to meet specific criteria developed for each award by the WPH Nurses Week Committee. Other nurses were recognized with awards that didn’t require specific criteria to be nominated.

Long Term Care Center Nurse of the Year: Jennifer Paxton

Although Paxton has been registered nurse with WPH’s Long Term Care Center for less than a year, she already has made a positive impact, LTCC Administrator Jeanne Kaiser said.

According to her nominations, “Jennifer is always encouraging us to learn more.  She is an excellent leader, and it’s great to have her on our team. Jennifer is already a great nurse clinically, but is always looking to improve her practice. She is professional with her co-workers.”

In addition to staff, LTCC residents get to nominate and vote for the LTCC Nurse of the Year.

Nursing Lifetime Achievement Award: Twyla Erz

Erz is a registered nurse with WPH’s dialysis unit. She also works as a CNA in the Long Term Care Center.

The lifetime achievement award recognizes those with 30 years or more of nursing experience.

Nurse Leader of the Year: Lynette Barsness

Barsness, an RN, is the nurse manager of the Emergency Department at WPH.

LPN of the Year: Carolyn Pierce

Pierce is an LPN with the Long Term Care Center.

Rookie Nurse of the Year Award (tie): Ingrid Olson and Baylee Nicholson

Olson, an RN, works in multiple departments at WPH. Nicholson, also an RN, works in the Long Term Care Center.

Peak Achievement Award: Linda Harbron

Harbron, an RN and the nurse manager of the WPH home health and hospice departments, received this special award for her hard work and dedication over the past five years to bringing a hospice house to the Big Horn Basin.

“Annually, National Nurses Week focuses on highlighting the diverse ways in which registered nurses are working to improve health care,” American Nurses Association President Rebecca M. Patton said in a statement. “Nursing is about growing and adapting to meet the public’s needs. Now is the time for all nurses to fully embrace and provide a new, even stronger level of leadership, partnering with physicians, pharmacists, and other health care professionals to direct and manage care effectively.”

Nurses Week unofficially began in 1953 when Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare sent a proposal to President Eisenhower to proclaim a "Nurse Day" in October of the following year. The proclamation was never made.

In 1974, President Nixon proclaimed a “National Nurse Week.”

In February 1982, the AMA formally acknowledged May 6, 1982, as "National Nurses Day." The action affirmed a joint resolution of Congress designating May 6 as "National Recognition Day for Nurses." President Reagan signed a similar proclamation in March of that year.

The ANA in 1990 expanded the recognition of nurses to a weeklong celebration, declaring May 6-12, 1991, as National Nurses Week.

In 1993, the ANA designated May 6-12 as permanent dates to observe National Nurses Week in 1994 and in all subsequent years.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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WPH HOLDS FIRST HIKE IN SERIES OF PUBLIC SUMMER WELLNESS EVENTS

CODY, Wyo. — Ease into a more active lifestyle by joining West Park Hospital for the first in a series of public wellness events Saturday, May 22.

As the first public event, a walk through the Shoshone River Canyon along the Bureau of Reclamation road is intended for people of all fitness levels; it is four miles round trip and paved the whole way, but is scenic enough to keep everyone interested.

The Shoshone Canyon walk is the first in a series of events throughout the summer that coincide with WPH’s public “Steps Challenge.” The Steps Challenge encourages participants to walk more throughout the summer in order to realize the benefits of increased fitness and activity.

The challenge is free, although participants must register in order to be eligible for end-of-summer prizes. A registration form is available on the West Park Hospital website, www.westparkhospital.org, under the “Prevention & Wellness” section on the homepage.

Registration packets also can be picked up at the WPH Information Desk or Gift Shop, and include a free pedometer for participants to track their progress.

Steps Challenge registrants get double steps toward their distance goal and toward end-of-summer prizes for participating in the WPH-organized events.

Tentative dates for future WPH-organized public wellness events are June 20 and July 24, with the Steps Challenge wrapping up Aug. 28 at the first Tails & Trails 5K run/walk.

Anyone interested in the Shoshone Canyon walk should meet Saturday, May 22, at 1 p.m. in the parking lot between Cedar Mountain Center and the cancer center. Participants will carpool to the site because of limited parking.

For more information or to register for the summer-long steps challenge, contact Dawn Garrison at 578-2667 or Ellen Burbank at 578-2407.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

Return to Main News Page >

FREE ELDER CARE FAIR RETURNS BIGGER AND BETTER

CODY, Wyo. — After taking a year off to reorganize due to the loss of a key planning committee member, the Park County Elder Care Fair will resume bigger and better this year.

The goal of the event is to provide people 50 years and older with free access to informative and interactive resources, screenings and literature about a broad range of useful services. Organizations scheduled to attend range from hospitals to home health organizations to senior centers, banks, advocacy groups and more.

“In addition to getting all this wonderful information, it should be a good time and provide a great opportunity for seniors from all over Park County to get out and socialize,” said planning committee member Margot Stothart

Popular booths from 2008 will be back — such as the balance screening from Big Horn Basin Orthopedic & Wellness Center — as well as additional first-time exhibitors. Snacks and water also will be available free of charge.

“Thanks to the generosity of several local businesses and service groups, we are able to put this event on for free,” said Doyle Stout, planning committee member.

The Elder Care Fair will run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 20 at the Cody Auditorium at 1240 Beck Ave. Residents who need a ride are encouraged to contact their local senior center.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

Return to Main News Page >

JENNIFER JONES IS PRESIDENT-ELECT OF STATE FORENSIC NURSES CHAPTER

CODY, Wyo. — West Park Hospital emergency department nurse Jennifer Jones has been named president-elect of the Wyoming chapter of the International Association of Forensic Nurses. She will assume the role of president on Jan. 1.

Forensic nursing is an area of practice that focuses on the overlap between health care and the legal system, for example collecting evidence for sexual assault exams or testifying in a rape trial.

Community education and violence mitigation (especially domestic violence) also are key components of forensic nursing, as are familiarity with the legal system and the ability to collect evidence on a professional level.

Because of their status as frontline health care providers, many

forensic nurses are emergency nurses.

And while forensic nurses work closely with police and other agencies, Jones stresses that forensic nurses act as patient advocates, not an extension of law enforcement.

The Wyoming chapter of the international association is relatively new, having been formed less than a year ago. Forensic nursing also is a relatively new scope of practice in nursing in general.

To that end, Jones’ goals for her year as president include growing the membership of the Wyoming chapter and standardizing forensic nursing and sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) training in the state.

Being SANE-certified is the highest standard forensic nurses can achieve. Acquiring SANE certification requires additional training and passing a certification test. Jones currently is finishing her SANE training and preparing to take the certification exam.

In addition to being president-elect of the Wyoming forensic nursing chapter, Jones also serves as secretary for the Wyoming Nurses Association.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

Return to Main News Page >

DISPOSING OF USED SHARPS PROPERLY REDUCES PUBLIC HEALTH RISKS

CODY, Wyo. — Properly disposing of used “sharps” can be a headache, but safe options do exist. Sharps can include needles, syringes, lancets or any other medical waste used for home care that can puncture skin.

If new needles arrive in a red biohazard box from the company, check to see if a return shipping label is included. If so, return the used needles in the biohazard box, and the company will dispose of them properly.

Mail-safe and Postal Service-approved disposal kits also can be purchased online from a variety of companies such as Waste Management, Sharps Inc., Stericycle and Target.

As a last resort, sharps can be taken to the local landfill — if properly packaged.

The landfill has a permit to take used needles, but asks that they be placed in a plastic laundry detergent bottle with “sharps” written on the cap. Also, it is important notify personnel at the gate that you have a sharps container, as it must be buried immediately under 12 inches of dirt, according to the landfill’s permit. There is no additional cost for disposing sharps at the landfill.

Due to the high volume and large cost of disposing used consumer sharps, hospitals and home health organizations cannot take them from the public.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

Return to Main News Page >

Donors and volunteers celebrate reaching the $2.8 million needed to break ground on a hospice house with WPH staff and trustees.

HOSPICE HOUSE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN REACHES GOAL

CODY, Wyo — More than 50 people, including WPH trustees, staff, capital campaign volunteers and public supporters met Monday morning to celebrate reaching the updated goal of $2.8 million needed to break ground on a Big Horn Basin hospice house.

When the initial estimate was completed by Plan One Architects more than two years ago, construction costs were quoted at $3.7 million. Falling construction prices have lowered that estimate to $2.8 million.

An additional $300,000 was added for a “Hospice Cares” fund to cover indigent care for those who don’t have the means to pay for hospice care. Additional fundraising — including a church challenge and a summer special event — are still in the works to benefit the “Hospice Cares” fund.

“We’ve just been overwhelmed by the amount of community support,” said Spirit Mountain Hospice director Linda Harbron. “Whether it has been financial support, volunteer time or donating services, the entire Big Horn Basin has really stepped up to the plate to help make this dream a reality.”

The campaign raised more than $250,000 during the public “Fund A Foot” challenge. Pledges from $5 to $500,000 were received from donors locally and across the country. In addition to the public campaign, WPH employees, board members, volunteers and physicians also gave generously to the cause. Dozens of community volunteers also donated many hours toward the planning and execution of the campaign.

“We wanted this to be a community effort, and we received broad support from all corners of the Big Horn Basin and beyond,” said Graham Jackson, hospital trustee and WPH foundation board chair. “The campaign was initiated and supported by the hospital, but the community really deserves the credit for making it successful.”

The 10,000-square-foot hospice house will include eight private inpatient bedrooms with private bathrooms, family nooks and patios; meeting rooms, a living room, a kitchen/dining room, a small chapel, a nurses station, counseling rooms and a laundry room; 24-hour-a-day professional staff including registered nurses and certified nursing assistants; additional staff such as social workers, chaplaincy and volunteers.

West Park Hospital will provide pharmacy, meals, medical supplies and administrative support.

Harbron expects to break ground on the facility — which will be located on WPH-owned land on Canyon View Avenue down the hill on the north side of the hospital — this summer.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

Return to Main News Page >

WEST PARK HOSPITAL NOW TAKING DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY APPOINTMENTS

CODY, Wyo — The arrival of digital mammography services at West Park Hospital will improve patients’ mammography experience and provide WPH’s radiologists with the best breast cancer screening tools available.

For patients, the major benefit of digital mammography over film mammography is reduced exam times, since digital images are available immediately rather than having to be developed between takes.

Digital mammography also requires fewer retakes because the images aren’t sensitive to exposure variations, and patients are exposed to less radiation than traditional mammography.

“Digital mammography offers many advantages over traditional film mammography, particularly in pre- and perimenopausal patients and in women with dense breast tissue,” said WPH radiologist Travis Graham, M.D. “Not only does digital mammography allow us to manipulate the images electronically, it offers a lower radiation dose and is generally a little faster, allowing patients to spend less time in uncomfortable positions.”

Digital mammography can benefit clinical outcomes, as well. Radiologists can adjust digital images for brightness and contrast and can digitally magnify images. Digital images also provide improved visibility of the chest wall and are compatible with computer-aided detection software, which highlights suspect areas for radiologists, giving the images a virtual “second look.”

WPH’s Radiology Department currently uses CAD software with its film mammography system, and it also will be utilized with digital mammography.

“We have chosen the Hologic full-field digital mammography system, which offers the highest image quality available today, and we are very excited to be able to offer this service to the patients of the Big Horn Basin," Dr. Graham said.

“When I decided to run for the WPH Board of Trustees, providing local access to digital mammography was one of my top priorities,” Peggy Rohrbach said. “I am excited and pleased that we can now offer this improved technology, furthering our goal of providing the best health care available for the citizens of Park County.”

West Park Hospital’s Radiology Department earned its three-year American College of Radiology accreditation in mammography in 2008. In addition, WPH has five radiologic technologists who are individually certified in mammography through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

“Now, in addition to having a staff highly trained and experienced in mammography, we also have the best equipment available, too,” said Karen Beemer, manager of WPH’s radiology department.

WPH Radiology is one of just eight MRI-accredited facilities in the state.

Despite controversial new guidelines issued by a federal task force in November, Beemer recommends patients follow the screening schedules promoted by the ACR and the American Cancer Society, which remain unchanged and suggest women have annual clinical breast exams and mammograms starting at age 40.

As with film, digital mammograms must be ordered by a physician. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 578-2372.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

Return to Main News Page >

CHANGE IN ONCOLOGY SERVICE WON'T AFFECT CODY CANCER CENTER

BILLINGS, Mont. — Northern Rockies Radiation Oncology Center (NRROC) will discontinue providing radiation therapy services at its Billings location effective Oct. 31.

Frontier Cancer Center (formerly Hematology Oncology Centers of the Northern Rockies) will accept the transfer of care for St. Vincent Healthcare patients requiring radiation therapy when it opens at its new location this August.

The Big Horn Basin Radiation Oncology Center in Cody, with five employees, will continue to operate to serve patients in northern Wyoming. St. Vincent took over as sole owner of NRROC and the Big Horn Basin Radiation Oncology Center in Cody on Jan. 1, 2009.

NRROC, formerly known as the Northern Rockies Cancer Center, was established in 1976 as a community based cancer treatment center.

In 1985, St. Vincent Healthcare and Deaconess Hospital, now Billings Clinic, proposed a collaboration to form a new, cooperative radiation oncology treatment center ensuring the community that the hospitals would work together strategically and financially to bring patients the best cancer radiation technology and services available.

The partnership was finalized in 1985 and in 1987 NRROC became a joint venture governed by both hospitals.

The community partnership ended December 31, 2008.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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WPH's INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM RECEIVES $10,000 GIFT

CODY, Wyo. — The West Park Hospital Prevention and Wellness Office recently received $10,000 from Groathouse Construction to go toward its Independent Living program.

The Independent Living program provides support for young adults who are about to age out of the foster care system.

“Once they turn 18, a child in foster care is basically on their own,” said WPH Prevention and Wellness manager Jay Otto.

A part-time coordinator helps youth from around the Big Horn Basin in four areas:

• Educational: Tutoring, high school or GED completion, college preparation and alternative education.

• Employment: Job readiness training, job search and vocational assessment.

• Life Skills: Includes topics such as food management, health, housekeeping, money management, community resources, legal skills and transportation.

• Transitional Plans: Includes making plans for future educational, housing and vocational goals.

“There’s way more demand than we can meet in the Big Horn Basin,” Otto said. “It’s very demanding, challenging work for the coordinator.”

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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HOME OXYGEN PASSES SURVEY WITH 100 PERCENT COMPLIANCE

CODY, Wyo. — West Park Hospital’s home oxygen department received accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care after having zero deficiencies in seven different categories during a December survey.

The one-day survey observed staff and audited the department’s records, policies and procedures. Accreditation by the commission is required for the department to participate in Medicare and Medicaid.

“The success of the survey is directly related to the hard work of our dedicated staff,” said cardiopulmonary department manager Gail Parker.

Home oxygen employees include Wendy Fleig, Rick Cover, Julia Maple and Joni Cozzens.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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LONG TERM CARE CENTER HAS SUCCESSFUL SURVEY

CODY, Wyo. — An outstanding survey in December has West Park Hospital’s Long Term Care Center staff confident the LTCC will retain its five-star standing from Medicare.

The extensive, three-day survey by the Wyoming Department of Health, which reviews compliance with state and federal regulations, revealed only four minor deficiencies, none of which were a risk to residents. With more than 500 items reviewed, that equates to more than a 99 percent success rate.

The deficiencies are all in the process of being corrected.

During the survey, state regulators talk to staff, residents and family members, observe care and services, and review records and policies.

“It takes many departments all working together to achieve such high standards,” said LTCC Administrator Jeanne Kaiser. “We’re proud of our Long Term Care staff in addition to all of the departments that support us and help us give our residents great care.”

In 2008, the WPH Long Term Care Center scored the equivalent of 97 percent on its state survey.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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MEDICARE SCAM TARGETS COLORADO, WYOMING

CODY, Wyo. — A new scam targeting Medicare beneficiaries has popped up in Colorado and Wyoming.

The con consists of an unsolicited phone call to a beneficiary from someone claiming to be from Medicare, notifying the beneficiary that they owe a “Part D Penalty,” which needs to be paid immediately.

Then, the caller likely will request banking, credit-card or other personal information for payment. A common thread that runs through all telemarketing scams is the demand for payment upfront, according to the National Fraud Information Center.

There are a number of red flags that can alert beneficiaries to this scam, said Mike Fierberg, spokesman for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services:

• First, Medicare almost never calls beneficiaries. In the rare cases that the agency does call a beneficiary, the person will be notified in writing first that Medicare will be contacting them.
• Second, if the caller uses the term “Part D Penalty,” it is a scam. The agency uses the terminology “late enrollment penalty.”
• Third, the notification of such a penalty is always sent in writing — with information about how to appeal.
• Finally, the entity that contacts a beneficiary about a “late enrollment penalty” would be the private insurance company that administers the plan, not Medicare itself.

If there still is any question whether the caller is legitimate, ask them for their name and phone number to call them back and get as much information as possible about the caller, Fierberg said. If the caller is a scammer, they usually hang up immediately or will provide false information.

Fierberg suggests beneficiaries who suspect they have been contacted by a scammer to report the incident at 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227), so the agency can track any patterns that might occur.

In general, the National Fraud Information Center suggests the public be wary of the following signs, which are common in telemarketing scams:

• A promise that you can win money, make money or borrow money easily
• A demand that you act immediately or else miss out on this great opportunity
• A refusal to send you written information before you agree to buy or donate
• An attempt to scare you into buying something
• Insistence that you wire money or have a courier pick up your payment
• A refusal to stop calling after you’ve asked not to be called again

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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ER WILL REMAIN OPEN DURING GENERATOR CONSTRUCTION

CODY, Wyo. — Access to the ER and ambulance bay will remain open during work on a new generator facility on the north side of West Park Hospital.

The construction area will be cordoned off beginning Wednesday and parking spots will be identified. Groathouse Saunders will complete the project in sections in order to keep the main route to the ER open to the public.

A transmission conduit is being laid for two new 600-kilowatt Caterpillar generators and an upgraded electrical connection to the city’s power grid.

WPH received a $462,500 grant from the State Lands & Investments Board to help offset the cost of the project.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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RICK COVER NAMED WPH EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Gail Parker named leader of the year

CODY, Wyo. — West Park Hospital’s Cardiopulmonary Department swept the 2009 employee awards at the annual WPH Christmas party when hospital staff voted manager Gail Parker as Leader of the Year and home oxygen provider Rick Cover as Employee of the Year.

Cover started at WPH in 1999 in the Plant Operations Department

where he spent seven years before transferring to Cardiopulmonary.

In addition to Employee of the Year, Cover recently was voted WPH’s Employee of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2009 when, during
one of his home oxygen deliveries, he selflessly gave up his gloves to an unprepared highway flagger standing on the side of the road in the freezing cold. 

Parker started at WPH in July 2004 in the Cardiopulmonary Department. In March 2007, she became the department manager.

She was nominated by her department for her fairness, willingness to

listen and appreciation of her employees.

 “Gail is the ‘T’ in our team,” one employee wrote.

In recognition of their contributions to WPH and demonstrations of the Planetree spirit, both Cover and Parker received personalized gift packages worth $500.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY COMING TO WEST PARK HOSPITAL

CODY, Wyo. — Digital mammography is coming to West Park Hospital early this spring.

For patients, the major benefit of digital mammography over film mammography is reduced exam times because the digital images are available immediately rather than having to be developed between takes.

Digital mammography also requires fewer retakes because the images aren’t sensitive to exposure variations.

Digital mammography can benefit clinical outcomes, as well. Radiologists can adjust digital images for brightness and contrast and can digitally magnify images. Digital images also provide improved visibility of the chest wall and are compatible with computer-aided detection software, which highlights suspect areas for radiologists, giving the images a virtual “second look.”

WPH’s Radiology Department currently uses CAD software with its film mammography system, and it also will be utilized with digital mammography.

As with film, digital mammograms must be ordered by a physician.

West Park Hospital’s Radiology Department earned its three-year American College of Radiology accreditation in mammography in 2008. In addition, WPH has five radiologic technologists who are individually certified in mammography through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Despite controversial new guidelines issued by a federal task force in November, Beemer recommends patients follow the screening schedules promoted by the ACR and the American Cancer Society, which remain unchanged and suggest women have annual clinical breast exams and mammograms starting at age 40.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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WPH RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT EARNS ACR ACCREDITATION IN MRI

CODY, Wyo. — The West Park Hospital Radiology Department has earned a three-year accreditation in magnetic resonance imaging from the American College of Radiology, which recognizes the qualifications of its staff and the quality of its equipment.

ACR accreditation programs set quality standards for radiology practices and help them continuously improve the quality of care they give to patients. The rigorous accreditation process evaluates personnel qualifications and training, equipment performance, effectiveness of quality control measures and quality of clinical images.

“This certification says a lot about the commitment of our staff,” said Karen Beemer, director of the WPH Radiology Department. “It takes a lot of ongoing training, record-keeping and quality control to earn an ACR certification. It’s a test that not all radiology departments pass.”

WPH Radiology is one of just eight MRI-accredited facilities in the state.

In addition to the three-year ACR accreditation in MRI, the WPH Radiology Department also earned a three-year accreditation in mammography in 2008.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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TONI COOK NAMED WPH EMPLOYEE OF THE THIRD QUARTER

CODY, Wyo. — Toni Cook was named Employee of the Quarter for the third quarter of 2009 for personally escorting a patient on a flight home to California after it had been determined that the patient could not safely travel alone.

Cook started at WPH in June 2008 as an administrative assistant to the director of patient care services, after previously working as a
personal banker and customer-service representative.

For her dedication to WPH and its patients, Cook received a personalized gift basket that included a blanket, a candle set, four martini glasses, a cocktail shaker, alcohol-free martini mixes, a purse,

a down and faux-fur vest, a $35 gift certificate to Maurice’s, a $15 gift certificate to Subway, a case of Pepsi and a $45 gift certificate to Reindeer Ranch.

Bruce Wenger was runner-up and received Big Horn Cinema tickets.

Also nominated for the third quarter were Kelli Martin, Donna Zubik, Wendy Barker, Sherry Lyons, Cheryl Horne, Tommie Weiser, Melodye Trusty and Russ Knudsen.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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COMMITTEE MAKES PROGRESS IN BRINGING FREE MEDICAL CLINIC TO CODY

CODY, Wyo. — If progress toward bringing a branch of the Heart Mountain Volunteer Medical Clinic (HMVMC) to Cody keeps pace, a weekly evening free clinic could open its doors here as early as next spring, Dr. Stephen Mainini said.

The Cody Organizing Leadership

Team has been meeting weekly since a community-wide meeting in June, working to recruit volunteers, raise funds and present the idea to civic groups, clubs and churches.

The leadership team includes
Nancy Liebert, Nancy Bailey, Stephen and Rita Mainini, Adriaan Overbeeke, Carol Woodward, Christy and Alan Messnick, Bill Stangl, Bo Johnson, Nicholas
Morris, JoAnn Cozzens, Jody Vannoy, Wanda Webb and Perry
and Lynette Rockvam.

“We appreciate the response we’ve had for volunteers and the support of our local churches,” Mainini said. “People don’t need medical training to have a servant’s heart, and I have no doubt that we’ll be able to utilize the skills of everyone who wants to volunteer. Our commission to extend the love of Christ to those in need in our community goes beyond the immediate medical need and into many aspects of the lives of the people we are here to serve. This is why the support of our local churches is of such importance.”

Lay volunteers are needed for jobs such as greeting, reception, patient escorts, child care, janitorial, building maintenance and meals.

“Efforts to find a suitable long-term location to meet the anticipated demand for free medical care are ongoing, Mainini said. “In the meantime, Dr. Bo Johnson has graciously offered his office as a place to temporarily begin the clinic.”

Two community fundraisers also are planned.

Lorraine Lamb of The Golden Buffalo is donating a $5,000 pendant called “Spirit of Hope” as a “share the gift” raffle, the proceeds of which will benefit the clinic.

In addition, the Bar J Wranglers are doing a community benefit concert Jan. 7, with proceeds going to the clinic as well as Cody youth.

Dr. Mainini said he has been impressed with the generosity of the local community so far and that the organizing team is still identifying resources.

“We’d like this to be seen as a community project and have the whole community take ownership in it, especially all of our local churches,” he said. “West Park Hospital has been generous to offer free blood work and X-rays, and we’d like to see other organizations in town match that commitment.”

On Tuesday nights, the Heart Mountain Volunteer Medical Clinic in Powell provides free, professional outpatient, non-emergency, acute and chronic primary medical care, according to its Web site, www.hmvmc.org.

The clinic serves residents of the Big Horn Basin whose gross income is at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or who are uninsured and do not qualify for any other health care programs.

About 26 percent of Park County residents earn below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, while 21 percent have no health insurance at all, Mainini said.

An HMVMC branch in Cody would mirror the Powell organization but take place Thursday nights.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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EMPLOYEE ELECTED WYOMING STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION SECRETARY

CODY, Wyo. — Jennifer Jones, an Emergency Department nurse at West Park Hospital, was elected secretary of the Wyoming Nurses Association by its membership, it was announced last month at the group’s conference in Cody.

Jones also was named the group’s District 16 Nurse of the Year at the conference, which reflects her continued involvement
in and commitment to the district.

As secretary, Jones records the association’s meeting minutes, which then are used to formulate its official position on
nursing and health care issues. Those positions are then used to advocate for nursing and health care issues in the state Legislature and on the national level.

The secretary also communicates state-level activities to the districts.

In addition to her state-level position, Jones also acts as secretary and treasurer for District 16, which involves maintaining the district’s member records and budget as well as helping organize multiple fundraising activities.

Jones has been a nurse for 15 years, all at West Park Hospital.

The WNA is the professional association for all registered nurses in Wyoming that works to address the issues that face nursing on a daily basis as well as including issues of importance such as nurse work-force numbers, workplace safety, standards of care, scope of practice and patient safety.

WNA focuses on practice, educational, political and professional issues that impact registered nurses in Wyoming.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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WPH RECEIVES FEDERAL GRANT TO HELP COMBAT PROBLEM DRINKING

CODY, Wyo. — West Park Hospital has received a U.S. Department of Education grant that provides money to help reduce underage drinking, binge drinking and negative consequences associated from drinking at Northwest College.

“WPH received the grant not because there is an increase of binge drinking among NWC students; actually, they are below the national average,” said project coordinator Helena De Fina. “We received it due to the quality of the proposal and the strategies that will be implemented. This grant intends to prevent future illegal and harmful consequences associated with alcohol use.”

The grant provides $130,620 per year for two years, which will be used to create an alcohol prevention and education program for freshman and all other incoming students, to create a college-wide campaign to counter student, staff and faculty misperceptions about alcohol use and to improve screening and intervention practices for problem drinking.

Students often overestimate the amount and frequency that their peers drink, which can itself lead to problems.

“We know with that age group, having the misperceptions that others drink frequently or heavily can itself lead to risky behavior,” De Fina said.

Students were surveyed in spring 2009 about their behavior and perceptions of problem drinking among their peers. They will be questioned again next year and in 2011, and De Fina hopes to see positive results from the program reflected in those surveys.

As the project manager, De Fina will be working four days a week in the Student Success Center at NWC to implement the three steps of the program.

She will receive guidance from co-project director, Jay Otto of the WPH Prevention and Wellness Office and co-project director Cynthia Garhart at NWC.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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WEST PARK HOSPITAL OFFERS FREE INTRODUCTION TO YOGA CLASS

CODY, Wyo. — West Park Hospital is offering a free introduction to yoga, a popular fitness and wellness practice.

Yoga includes physical postures, breathing exercises and
meditation. More than 13 million American adults had practiced
yoga in the previous year, according to a 2007 National
Health Interview Survey.

In addition to general fitness and flexibility benefits, research suggests that practicing yoga can improve mood and sense of well-being; counteract stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia; lower heart rate and blood pressure; increase lung capacity; improve muscle relaxation and body composition; and positively affect levels of certain brain or blood chemicals, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Ongoing studies also are researching the health benefits of yoga for specific chronic conditions, such as low-back pain, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inflammatory arthritis and knee osteoarthritis, insomnia, multiple sclerosis and smoking cessation.

The idea for a free introduction to yoga workshop came from WPH’s Healing Interventions Planetree Team, which was looking for ways to promote healthy activities in the community.

The goal of the Healing Interventions Team is to develop ways to complement clinical care with additional healing elements. A few examples of complementary therapies at WPH include inpatient and outpatient massages, Pet Therapy and Healing Touch, a type of energy therapy that studies suggest can lessen anxiety and improve well-being.

The class will be held Oct. 21 from 5:30 p.m. until about 7 p.m. in West Park Hospital’s Sunlight Room, downstairs from the Outpatient Services entrance.

Certified instructor Laura Vanderberg, owner of Cody’s Here Yoga, will lead the session. Participants should wear comfortable workout clothes. Mats will be provided.

Space is limited to the first 25 registrants. To reserve a spot, call 527-7501. For more information about the class, contact Dawn Garrison at 578-2667 or dgarrison@ wphcody.org.

About West Park Hospital

West Park Hospital focuses on putting the patient first. Located in Cody, Wyo., the hospital serves as a primary, full-service medical center to communities throughout the Big Horn Basin.

West Park Hospital's 25-bed, acute care facility is state-of the-art. The hospital also has an adjacent 128-bed long term care center and a 20-bed chemical dependency center, Cedar Mountain Center.

At West Park Hospital, we have adopted a philosophy of care called Planetree. Planetree encompasses a type of healing environment that focuses on treating the whole patient. West Park Hospital believes that when it comes to a person's health, there are many aspects of healing. In treating the patient as a whole — not just treating the disease or illness — West Park Hospital can truly focus on healing.

For more information, please contact Joel Hunt, Community Relations/Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 307-578-2512 or visit our Web site at www.westparkhospital.org.

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