Every business is successful because of how they operate behind the scenes. Here at Big Sandy Medical Center, we have some of the best working hard to make sure that your experience here is the best that it can be. It takes a village, a team, a work family; and that is exactly what we have here at BSMC. As we prepare for National Hospital Week, we tip our hats to everyone who keeps this place up and running.

BSMC is a small facility, employing less than 50 people. This small but mighty crew is responsible for all of the same types of things required for larger facilities. For us, that means that most staff wear more than one hat or are one-person departments. For instance, Nadine Poitra is our Laundry Department. She works 5 days a week washing, drying, and folding all the laundry in the facility, including the residents' clothes and the laundry used by Physical Therapy, the Clinic, and the ER. She also mends any clothes that need it; and the residents enjoy her presence. Nadine has worked here since 2012. She grew up in Rocky Boy and now lives here in Big Sandy. Nadine's favorite part of the job is "the residents and I just love this facility because it is close for everyone. And of course, all my co-workers."

Another one-man department is Maintenance. Leroy Richardson (LJ) has worked in Maintenance and Housekeeping for over 20 years now! His loyalty to the facility is appreciated. He is responsible for all the repairs around the facility; from broken beds to patching the drywall, lawn care, and snow removal. He also helps with fire safety procedures, maintains the generators, and helps in any other way he can. He grew up in Ft. Collins, CO and says his favorite part of the job is "I don't have a favorite, I like everything in my job."

LJ manages Housekeeping, which is staffed by Quentin (Moose) Longfox and Geno Menard. Housekeeping has been working diligently to maintain a clean environment here at BSMC. They vacuum and mop the floors every day, wash all surfaces, keep hand sanitizer and soap dispensers filled, take out the trash, and any other tasks that are needed. And they do it all with smiles on their faces. Moose started here in January 2019. He is from Rocky Boy. He says his favorite part of his job is "visiting the residents, you get attached." Geno just started with us this spring. He was born and raised in Box Elder. He says his favorite part of the job is "being around the old folks because seeing them smile brightens my day." This crew is a pleasure to have around and deserves an extra pat on the back after the last few months.

Dusty Allderdice wears multiple hats in the facility too. She is Medical Records, Materials Management, the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, a Radiology Limited Permit Tech, and is EMT/Director of the Big Sandy Volunteer Ambulance. She is responsible for maintaining medical records and sending records from our facility to another. She also makes sure everyone has the supplies they need to do their job safely and effectively. In Emergency Preparedness, Dusty is responsible for making sure we have a plan of action for any type of emergency (or pandemic) we may face. She takes call to perform X-rays in the facility and often responds to any ambulance calls. She grew up North of Loma and began working here in the summer of 2010. Dusty says her favorite part of the job is "the people. I love helping and giving back to the community any way I can and staying busy. I always enjoy having something to do." It's a good thing she enjoys it because we sure keep her busy around here!

The other behind the scenes department that deserves recognition today, and every day, is the dietary staff. This is a group of gals that come up with breakfast, lunch, and dinner ideas EVERY SINGLE DAY. These ladies serve our residents, our staff and visitors without fail. They bake the cookies that greet you at the door and make sure there is always coffee available. They battle multiple different preferences and diet restrictions to keep everyone's bellies full. The department is comprised of Laci Labuda, Patti Pegar, Karla Whetham, Anna Allderdice, and Noelle Beirwagen. Laci, the Dietary Manager, started here in 2015. She grew up in Ft. Benton and says her favorite part of the job is, "obviously the residents. I like how we have that family feel." Patti joined the team back in 2007 and shares Dietary Manager duties with Laci. She grew up in Campo, California and her favorite part is "just cooking for the folks because it makes them happy. If I can make them something that makes their tummy happy, why not?" Donna lives here in Big Sandy and comes to cook once a week. She started in 1999 as a dietary aide and eventually started cooking. She says, "I like to make desserts. I like to make things people like. Sometimes I have to quiz them to see what they like!" Karla has been in the department the longest, having started in 2008 as a dietary aide. She grew up here in Big Sandy and she loves "all of the job". Anna is another dietary aide. She grew up here and plans to graduate high school in 2022. She started working at BSMC in 2019 and says her favorite part of the job is "having a bunch of grandparents who make my days a little more full of sunshine." Noelle is in her junior year of high school. She is another dietary aide from Big Sandy and started in the kitchen this spring. She says her favorite part of her job is, "the people." Each of these ladies brings a smile to our faces every day. They work so hard to make sure we are well-fed and supported.

It is each of these small departments that keep this place running. Their work often goes unnoticed by the general public; but without each member of this team, BSMC would not be the facility it is today. Thank you, Nadine, LJ, Moose, Geno, Dusty, Laci, Patti, Donna, Karla, Anna, and Noelle for working so hard behind the scenes. You are so appreciated! And thank you, Big Sandy residents, for being the heart of BSMC.