CCMSD prepares to apply for hospital funding

Preparing to apply for funding for a new hospital, Crook County Medical Services District (CCMSD) has begun to create a list of flaws associated with the current building that make it difficult to deal with a pandemic such as COVID-19.

The district was approached by Senator Ogden Driskill and Representative Tyler Lindholm when it was first discovered that Wyoming would be receiving $1.25 billion through the CARES Act. With strict rules governing how it could be spent, the pair suggested a new hospital building would not only improve the county’s ability to deal with a future pandemic, but would provide a construction project that would be a shot in the arm to the local economy.

The Legislature made decisions a couple of weeks ago as to how the $1.25 billion should be allocated, with most of it to be released in tranches over the next few months. The first portion of $450 million has already been available, with $400 million to follow in July and the same amount in September.

“That is going to be controlled by the State Lands and Investments Board (SLIB),” said Mark Erickson, chairman of the CCMSD Board of Trustees, on Friday.

With that decision made, Erickson suggested that “time is of the essence”, commenting that it is now confirmed that, “They have $1.25 billion out there that they want to write checks for.”

CEO Micki Lyons responded that SLIB is working on the application form at this point and has indicated a desire for applicants to fill it in and submit it as quickly as possible. She informed the board that Lindholm has advised the district to concentrate on infection control issues as the main reason this county needs a more modern hospital building.

In response, Lyons said she has staff members listing issues they have experienced during the pandemic, such as the lack of available isolation rooms.

Trustee Sandy Neiman took the opportunity to comment that, before the board agrees to accept funding for a new hospital, it will need a lot of public input. She said she has heard from people who think the district couldn’t afford to maintain a new building, or that the district is going to get left with one derelict building not being used and a new one it can’t afford.

Neiman also questioned why the new hospital needs to be located in Sundance. Trustee Connie Lindmier agreed, suggesting there are other potential sites in Hulett or Moorcroft.

Lyons pointed out that changing the hospital’s location could have a negative overall effect on the district and urged the board to look at the big picture. The current employees at the hospital are unlikely to want to commute to another town every day.

Lyons said she understands the interest people may have in moving the hospital to their community, stating, “That’s all well and good, but who is going to work there?”

With no action required at this time, the board expressed approval for Lyons and the staff to continue preparing for the application.