We are getting closer and closer to the opening of the new Clinic Building; a long anticipated day for the staff and community alike. After many set backs due to weather, shipping delays, contractor delays, and unforeseen circumstances, caring for you from the new building is finally starting to feel real. For the last few months, special planning meetings have taken place among the staff to help ensure a smooth transition. As they continue to work through the upcoming changes, it is important you know how this changes the process for you, the patient, too.
First thing is first, you will still receive the care you are accustom to at Big Sandy Medical Center. Our team of providers, Krystyl Kulbeck, PA, Heath Horton, NP, and Joe Epperson, PA will continue to care for you in the new building. Abbey, Suzy, and Morgan will also be there, so the faces are all the same-just new spaces, and a few different routines.
For example, let’s say Minnie Mouse is due for her annual check up. Like usual, she’ll need some blood work done prior to that appointment. Minnie would still go to the ‘old’ building to get her lab work done a couple days prior to her appointment date. The lab will complete the tests and get the results on her Electronic Chart for the provider-just like they do now. The thing that is different is that Minnie will show up to the NEW building at the time of her appointment. So labs at the old building, provider visit at the new building.
What about the case of something less routine? Like if Donald Duck has a cough he just can’t get rid of. Well then he would call to get an appointment and show up to the NEW building at the time of his appointment. He would be evaluated by the provider. If the decision was made to get a chest xray and lab work, he would need to go on an adventure over to the OLD building to get those tests completed, then head back to the new building to discuss the results and create a treament plan. Think of it like the scenic route. Benefis has a sky walk, elevators, and long corridors. BSMC has just a short jaunt across the street.
Now if you’re Yosemite Sam, and you’ve woke up with a sore throat or cold/flu symptoms. You’d call the clinic and get your appointment. When you arrive there, if it is determined that a swab for strep throat, Influenza, Covid, or RSV is needed. That would be completed right there in the new building. You’d have answers and a treatment plan before you know it!
Finally, there’s the case of Bugs Bunny. Bugs just hasn’t been feeling himself lately and comes in to hopefully get some answers. His provider feels that some blood work is the place to start. In this case, Abbey could collect the blood work and get it over to the lab for testing. Mr. Bunny never has to leave the room and is on the way to discovering why he’s feeling off; maybe he needs a more well balanced diet-his Providers are sure to find the answer.
We can’t forget about Wile E. Coyote though. Wile E. Got caught under another anvil and has some major injuries. This is a case for the Emergency Room. He may need EMS to help him get there. The nursing staff will take good care of him with the direction of the provider on call. Nothing about this Emergency Room visit will look different than his many visits before. He will still receive care from the same nursing staff and the same providers in the same place.
As with all change, it will take some getting used to. The staff at Big Sandy Medical Center will do their best to keep it simple and guide you through the process, we ask in return, you remain patient with us as we adjust to the new normal too.
There is not yet a date set for the Grand Opening, but as soon as it’s official, the community of Big Sandy will be aware! Shortly after that, the construction will start on the old building to prepare for the CT machine! Big things are on the horizon for the Big Sandy Medical Center and the community that supports it. As always, thanks for being the heart of BSMC.
