What’s “The Tea”? It is the 411, the low-down, the news, the happenings... it’s the latest here at Big Sandy Medical Center. People have always been the heart of BSMC, so you are invited to Tea, right here, with all the latest information about your home town Medical Center.
There is certainly a lot happening around the Medical Center lately. The clinic staff have moved into their new building, the ribbon has been cut, and operations are settling into a new normal. Dr. Robertson has stepped down as the Medical Director, and we have welcomed Dr. Davis to the team. We have hired additional staff to our housekeeping department (still positions available!) and a new Nurse Assistant was added to the nursing staff (still positions available in the nursing department too!).
The nurses, or maybe it’s better said, the patients, got a new call light system. The technology is vastly different from the system that had been in place since the 1980s. One of the greatest improvements being a badge that can turn off a call light upon entering the room. The staff no longer have to be acrobats to reach the ‘cancel’ button on the wall behind the furniture! Nursing has also received a new bladder scanner, new IV pumps and poles. While these things may not excite you, it was a bit like Christmas for the nurses and CNAs!
The new chiller for the HVAC system has arrived and the crew from FICO is working to get it installed. This is a multi-step project, but will eventually allow better temperature control throughout the entire building. The project is slated to be complete by next spring.
Among other new equipment are some wonderful donations from surrounding facilities. Benefis in Great Falls has donated an ultrasound machine. Our Radiology Tech, Samantha, will be the captain of that ship and perform ultrasound here in the facility. Patients with potential blood clots, gallstones, and the like will no longer have to leave town to confirm that diagnosis.
Dr. Davis secured a grant for a ventilator to keep in the building. This machine can be used for anyone who is unable to breathe effectively on their own due to condition or medication. While this is not something we see often at the Big Sandy Medical Center, this equipment will be a great addition to our life saving efforts.
Finally, we also received eight like-new hospital beds from the hospital in Deer Lodge. They have already been put into use and the old beds were sold at the Medical Guild Rummage Sale. The Rummage sale was well attended this year, selling more in raffle tickets than years past and moving a lot of treasures to new homes. You’ll find more about it in a separate article.
In other news, Krystyl Kulbeck, PA-C offered a talk on reading food labels and understanding what is in the foods you consume. It was a hit in the community, with over 25 attendees. And our clinic receptionist Abbey Sandlin completed her schooling and is now a phlebotomist AND a certified medical assistant. Congratulations to both of you for successful outcomes on these endeavours.
As we get into the fall months, plans are under way for all of the holiday festivities. We plan to have trick-or-treaters on Halloween, after the staff costume contest.
Nominations are now open for two available seats on the Board of Directors as well. If you are interested in a seat on the Board, please contact Danielle Weaver, Jim Ray, or Ann Quinn for more information.
Remember to keep an eye on our Facebook page for the day-to-day happenings and the website as well. As always, thanks for being the heart of BSMC.
