Pinedale to get two new docs

by Janet Montgomery

It was good news for residents at Wednesday nights as two doctors are reportedly on board to come to town within the next few months.

Reporting to the board on the physicians search at the Rural Health Care District meeting last Wednesday night, physician’s assistant Kris Roork said, “We have two doctors on and hopefully a third.”

Dr. Dave Kapperman found a place to live and is set to be here Jan. 8, but Dr. James Quirk had to give more notice and won’t be in Pinedale until March.

Another doctor had not yet made a decision.

“He does not yet have his Wyoming license,” Roork said. “He hasn’t really tried to make an appointment to talk to them.”

Roork also asked that she be able to work some of her weekend work in Pinedale when Kapperman comes on board.

“I’m spending a minimum of 10 nights away from home every month,” she said. “I would like to do that.”

Roork request the locum tenum doctor placed at the Marbleton-Big Piney clinic rather than in Pinedale where she lives rather than having her travel there.

Board members stated that they had no problem with Roork’s request.

As for a clinic administrator, the district has been courting Robert “Kip” Boone to fill the role of administrator.

RHCD Director Randy Johnson said last Wednesday night that Boone would be returning to Pinedale for a second interview from Jan. 4-9. “It’s my opinion,” Johnson said, “he’s the right guy.”

Board member Jud Faler said that Boone has expressed some concerns, however, “we can work through those.” He suggested setting a special meeting of the board on Jan. 8 to sit down and work out areas as well as being prepared to make an offer.”

Board member Dave Racich suggested a second or third meeting at both ends of the county for Boone, so that he would be able to meet individuals other than board members.

“I’ve donated my wife’s time,” he said, “and I’m sure she’s donated mine.”

EMS News

The board approved a suggestion to save about $3,000 a year for the Emergency Management Services by agreeing to utilize the county fuel station and repair services at the Sublette County Road and Bridge Shop.

EMS Supervisor in Pinedale Wil Gay said, “Even more important than the EMS savings in a year is that turnaround time (for repairs).”

He said that having an ambulance out for repairs has left the service short while waiting for parts. Gay also asked the board about the possibility of helping to pay for hotels while he and others head to Cheyenne to lobby for a bill that would give retirement funds to volunteer members of the EMS.

Even though Gay would not receive the fund as he is a paid member of the service, he said that he plans to go down to lobby, but the problem is the tentative schedule of the legislature. So they may go down one week and have to stay another before the bill goes to the floor.

“I’m not in favor of paying for lodging,” Racich said.

However, the board did vote to pay for winter coats at a cost not to exceed $8,500.

Clinic site

After entertaining the presentation by Bill Schertz on the site designation of the Marbleton-Big Piney Clinic, that asked to set up a meeting for Schertz, as well as Paul Scherbel who also has interests in the clinic layout, with the architects before the end of the year.

Computer Support

Dan Farrand presented to the board a possible increase in monthly fees. Johnson said that while Farrand supplies networking support, the district staff members are finding a need for desktop and application support. The increase would be $1,500 a month for desktop support. The item was tabled until the new administrator is hired.

Phone Contract

Johnson also presented to the board a purchasing request for updating the phone system for the district that would also eliminate long-distance fees for the offices at the two ends of the county. The board approved the purchase phone equipment and set up for about $43,000.