Increasing COVID-19 case numbers putting stress on staff and resources at Sheridan Memorial Hospital

Sheridan County’s increasing number of COVID-19 cases has begun to put stress on both the staff members and resources available at Sheridan Memorial Hospital according to Chief Executive Officer Mike McCafferty. 

During a briefing from hospital leadership, McCafferty expressed concern with the growing coronavirus cases in Sheridan County. 

By following Centers for Disease Control Prevention guidelines, listed here residents can help prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to the CDC and the Wyoming Department of Health. 

McCafferty said the hospital continues to take preventative measures in an effort to keep staff healthy and able to work even as the surge in coronavirus case count puts stress on hospital resources. Currently nine SMH staff members are confirmed positive with COVID-19 and another 29 are classified as too sick to work. 

A percentage of residents have refused to wear masks, even when entering Sheridan Memorial Hospital to seek care, putting staff at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Addlesperger said the hospital will not deny care to a sick or injured patient refusing to wear a face covering, but asks people entering SMH to wear a mask and social distance as much as possible. 

Hospitals with the Rocky Mountain region are experiencing surges in COVID-19 and have diverted patients to SMH. According to McCafferty, that situation changes daily and has potential to change hourly, preventing SMH from diverting patients should the need arise. That ever changing situation makes it all the more crucial SMH staff remain healthy and resources remain available.