CEO Update Summer 2016

You may have noticed a few changes of late in our medical staff at Campbell County Health. Some physicians have left our organization but have stayed in Gillette, and a few will leave the community in the next month or so. Physicians are just like us, their life situations change and they make decisions that are best for themselves and their families. We understand and value all our physicians, and when recruiting new providers we strive to ensure a good match for all parties concerned.

We are currently recruiting new physicians in several specialties and have some prospects in the pipeline. Recruiting physicians is not a quick process and can take many months from initial contact to seeing patients. You can read about our new psychiatrist, Dr. Mark Walter. A new general surgeon and family practice physician are coming to the community in late summer, and we are in the late stages of recruiting a physiatrist (a physician who specializes in inpatient rehabilitation) and an internal medicine specialist to CCH who should join us in the fall. We also have several emergency medicine candidates who are interested.

Like many businesses and city and county government, we are in the midst of internal cost-cutting measures in response to the shift in the local economy. Recent actions include reducing supply expenses, renegotiating contracts, cutting back or eliminating projects and reducing staff through attrition. While we can’t predict the future, we are hopeful we can continue on this course for the rest of the year. We have been fortunate in that we have not reduced any services or had to implement staff layoffs.

Despite economic challenges, positive things are happening at Campbell County Health. We have experienced steady growth in certain areas, and volumes are strong for many services. We are also well on track to open The Legacy, our new, long-term care and short-term rehab facility. Please plan to attend our grand opening celebration in late October.

Thank you for choosing Campbell County Health. We are dedicated to not only meeting, but also exceeding, your healthcare expectations. If you ever have a suggestion, concern or vote of confidence to share, please do not hesitate to reach out.

~ Andy Fitzgerald, CEO