The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Hats off to Lisa Sipler, and all the staff at BSMC that helped make Hospital Week one for the books. The week kicked off with Neon Day. A day full of colors as bright as the smiles on everyone's faces. The patients got to participate in neon painting with Roberta Edwards and played bingo that afternoon. They were joined by many folks from the community and had a blast. Tuesday was Disney Day. Everyone enjoyed visits from Micky and Mini Mouse, Cruella Deville, Doc the Dwarf, and others. After a corndog lunch, everyone settled in the "theater" for a showing of Mary Poppins with bags full of popcorn. It was sure hard to see anyone on Wednesday, as everyone was in camouflage! The patients spent the morning playing a version of whack-a-mole, in which the moles were staff and their children! It was quite a laugh. That afternoon was spent hunting sloths, skunks, koalas, and alligators. The following day staff and patients alike were adorned in their best cowboy/farmer attire. For most, this is normal "daily" wear when not at work, but others kicked it up a notch with plastic pistols and rakes and trowels. A delicious Chuck Wagon lunch was served before the "horse races" in the afternoon. In a horse race, each patient gets a staff member jockey to ride their stick horse across the board. They roll a dice, and their horse gets to move forward the respective amount of spaces, but only after performing activities such as yodeling or bucking around the track. This year's winner was Betty, with her Jockey Dave riding the horse Betsy. The week wrapped up with Rainbow Day and the Ice Cream Social. For the last three years, due to the pandemic, a parade was held in place of the ice cream social. It was so good to bring it back and welcome the community back to the facility. We sure enjoyed getting to see everyone and share in a sweet treat and fellowship. The weather cleared up just long enough to enjoy the courtyard and was a perfect way to wrap up the festive week. Be sure to check out the Big Sandy Medical Center Facebook page for photos of all of the happenings of Hospital Week and all our other activities!

Those that attended the social were sure to notice that construction has finally begun on the kitchen remodel project. The crew began the dirt work last week and is making steady progress. The working plan for the project is to have the addition built and the shell completed before beginning any demolition on the current building. This will help ensure the least amount of disruption in how meals are prepared for the patients and staff alike. We again extend gratitude to the BSMC Foundation and the Medical Guild, as well as the other donors in the community who have made this project possible.

You may have also noticed that things are happening on the lot where the modular clinic will go. The buildings that were there were offered on silent bid to the staff with stipulations to have them removed by May 1. The purchasers honored those agreements, and now the next steps can be taken. While the snow hindered progress this spring, the goal is to have the clinic up and running before Old Man Winter returns.

The facility continues to await the arrival of the State Surveyors and remains diligent in being prepared for their appearance. There was certainly a sigh of relief when they didn't show during Hospital Week. While they of course are welcome anytime, it would have been hard to enjoy the festivities with the leadership team having to work with the surveyors. The date of their arrival is always unknown, and they are usually in the building for 2-4 days observing usual operations, interviewing staff and patients, and reviewing patient charts.

Finally, you may have noticed some new faces around at BSMC. We have welcomed Chris O'dell as the Facility Manager, Maryetta Engle and the Financial Controller, and Jeff Richter and Vesuvio Reid to our housekeeping departments. We are so grateful to have such a wonderful team of staff helping to keep the place running smoothly. As we look back on Hospital Week, Nurse's Day, and another long winter, we are reminded just how lucky we are to live in the community of Big Sandy. This medical center exists for you, the people. Thank you for being the heart of BSMC.