SMH leadership processes ready, await more doses

During a weekly briefing from Sheridan Memorial Hospital leadership, CEO Mike McCafferty noted that Sheridan County has reached 30 days reporting under 100 active cases of COVID-19. 

McCafferty and other SMH leadership thanked the community for their hard work and continued dedication to keep the spread of COVID-19 to manageable levels. 

Currently SMH has seven COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital. After active case numbers began to rise in the last few weeks, McCafferty said it’s expected to have some admissions from the climb but the amount is manageable by hospital staff.

The big work, McCafferty said, is proceeding forward with the various phases of vaccinations within Sheridan County. SMH leadership is confident in the processes they have developed to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Wyoming Department of Health vaccination priorities. 

Vaccinations are being administered at a positive rate. With the processes in place, the hospital is only waiting on the arrival of more doses to continue down the priority list, according to SMH Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Addlesperger. The Wyoming Department of Health – Phase 1a and 1b COVID-19 Vaccination Priorities list can be found here. 

Other locations around the U.S. have been able to move down the priority list at a much faster pace due to the number of doses received. Addlesperger said the doses on hand at SMH are currently scheduled for residents over 70 years of age and essential workers, but the hospital is prepared to increase the vaccinations as soon as more arrive.  

Sheridan Memorial Hospital is currently scheduling appointments. For those currently eligible to receive a vaccine (list), call 307-675-4471 for an appointment. Residents will be asked to leave a message and can expect a call back within 48 hours. 

Once SMH appointments are full (i.e. all current doses are spoken for), they will accept names for a waiting list for individuals currently eligible.