The BBGH Board of Trustees (Board) meeting was called to order at 12:05 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, in the Alliance Room and via Zoom. Five board members were present. Discussions involved dispersing the first round of the COVID-19 vaccine, testing of COVID-19 and Influenza at BBGH, and the Community Health Needs Assessment. The finance report and credentialing requests were approved as presented.
On Tuesday Dec. 22, BBGH vaccinated 30 employees for the COVID-19 virus. The vaccine currently being administered is the Moderna vaccine. The current vaccination phase is 1-A which includes healthcare workers. BBGH is working with Panhandle Public Health District to ensure that anyone who falls in the 1-A category will receive the vaccination, shall they wish. Of the 30 employees vaccinated on 12/22, only one felt ill afterward. All BBGH employees are eligible to receive the vaccine, however, it is not mandatory at this time.
Visitor restrictions are still in place in an effort to continue to keep staff and patients healthy. Administration is working closely with individuals requiring accommodations.
BBGH continues to offer COVID-19 testing through TestNebraska. The testing site is open Monday-Friday at 212 E 24th ST. Influenza tests are sparsely available this season. If a patient is showing signs of influenza, they will be tested for COVID-19 and if the test is negative, it will be ruled as influenza.
In partnership with Panhandle Public Health District, Dan Newhoff, Wellness Coordinator presented the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). The data for this year’s assessment was gathered prior to the current pandemic. The CHNA is an assessment done every three years to develop an improvement plan for the community’s health. Within the CHNA there are four priority areas- chronic disease, cancer, access to care, and behavioral health. The Community Health Needs Assessment was approved as presented and is available at bbgh.org.
For November, new BBGH employees introduced include Mareesa Buskirk, Clinic Registration Clerk, Melissa Alexander, Patient Registration Clerk, Alex Christopherson, Assistant Cook, Shelby Wright, Clinic Registration Clerk, Ada Sonahid, RN, Amber Benge, Medical Assistant, Lori Beaver, RN Nurse Educator, Michelle Schad, EVS Tech, Jodi Wolfe, RN, Brandi Bailey, RN, Madison Smith, Rehab Tech. Staff recognition includes Heather Taylor, Patient Registration Clerk- November Employee of the Month, Erica Smith, Clinical Nurse Manager- received her Master of Science in Nursing Leadership & Management, Nikki Niehues, Radiology Technologist- received her Dexascan Registry.
For December, new BBGH employees introduced include Aaliyah Hill, Patient Registration Clerk, Victoria Bouydston, Temperature Screener, Kimber Williams, RN, Alicia Moreno, EVS Tech, Jennifer Rowswell, RN, Shadell Peterson, Insurance Verification Clerk, Tabetha Garza LPN, and Brian Shelmadine, D.O., GNMSS Primary Care Sports Medicine provider. Staff recognition includes Dr. Jessica Ott, GNMSS Family Practice- December Employee of the Month, Jim Bargen, COO- elected President of the BBDC Board of Directors, Nikki Akers, RN- received her BS in Nursing.
The next BBGH regular board meeting is Monday, January 25th at noon in the Alliance Room. In the interest of room size limitations, the public is welcome to attend via Zoom.
Box Butte General Hospital is an equal opportunity provider and employer.