Wheatland Memorial Healthcare is a critical access hospital presently licensed for 25 acute beds/swing beds. Other departments include Telepharmacy, Nursing, Activities, Social Services, Clinical Laboratory, Radiology/Diagnostic Imaging, Physical Therapy, 24-hour Emergency Room, Central Supply, as well as the usual support services.
TELE-PHARMACY
The residents of Harlowton used to be able to fill their prescriptions at a local retail pharmacy, but in early 2003 the pharmacist closed shop and moved to Columbus. The 2,200 residents of Wheatland county were left with few options. The pharmacy in Big Timber was 45 miles to the south, and the one in Lewistown was even further. Further still was the trip to Billings at nearly 100 miles. Now, thanks to technology, a pharmacist at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings can enter a prescription into a computer, and our secure cabinet will dispense it. From there a Wheatland Memorial certified pharmacy technician labels the prescription and hands it to the patient. Finally, the patient is able to ask the pharmacist any questions he or she may have via a live video phone link.
With the number of residents being served by the system far exceeding the initial projections, we are looking into adding one or two more of the cabinets to increase the prescription diversity and the inventory available.
DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING
The Diagnostic Imaging Department is available 24 hours a day and utilizes a teleradiology service that links directly to a radiologist. It also allows other specialists to view the x-ray while the patient is still in our facility, thus improving the quality of care we provide. The services available include computerized radiology, digital mammography, bone mineral densitometer (Dexa Scan), CT Scan and ultrasound.
CLINICAL LABORATORY
The Clinical Laboratory is also available 24 hours .The Lab is very well equipped with all the latest automated equipment and has been certified as a CLIA Clinical Laboratory.
SOCIAL SERVICES
The Social Services Department at Wheatland Memorial Healthcare was developed to serve the patient, family, physician, hospital and community. The objectives are to encourage optimum utilization of medical care; help the patient and family resolve problems contributing to, or resulting from illness; help the patient and family cope with illness and assist in planning for post-hospital care of the patient. The Social Service Department also serves as a liaison between the hospital and resources in the community.
The Activities Department is set up to assist those patients who have leisure skills to continue with those and to provide assistance to other patients to develop interests. Group activities are also held such as parties, pie and ice cream socials, baking, bingo, cards and discussions.
ACTIVITIES
Central Supply was established to centralize the preparation, distribution, and control of sterile items, non-sterile items and equipment used in all areas of the hospital. By centralizing these activities, it makes it possible to provide an efficient service.
CENTRAL SUPPLY
ACUTE CARE/SWING BED
DIETARY
The goals of the Wheatland Memorial Healthcare Dietary Department is to provide nutritionally adequate meals to patients and outpatients while meeting high standards of quality and sanitation set by federal and state agencies. The Dietary Department strives to meet the therapeutic nutritional needs of the patient by complying with physicians' orders.
Wheatland Memorial Healthcare has 25 beds for patients in need of acute/skilled and long term care. The majority of our hospital rooms are newly renovated, spacious and inviting while the remainder are slated for renovation in 2007. In addition to a competent and compassionate staff and a high quality of care, we offer a high quality of life for our patients. The Activities Program is individualized for each patient based on their past preferences and interests as well as their present skill level. The daily activities that we offer address the intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social needs of our patients.
NURSING
The Nursing Department at Wheatland Memorial Healthcare offers 24-hour registered nursing and 24-hour certified nursing assistance. The department staffs the general floor, hospital beds, as well as ER. In-service education is conducted on a regular basis to keep the nursing staff current.
We provide preventative, diagnostic and therapeutic services aimed at maximizing function and helping people achieve their highest quality of life through physical movement. We provide individualized treatment of an injury or disability based on scientific knowledge, a thorough assessment of the condition, environmental factors and lifestyle. Our full time physical therapists provides care for our residents as well as our outpatient clientele of the communty. It's been said that "he's the best in the country".
Wheatland Memorial will allow non-profit organizations in the community to post messages on the readerboard for no charge and for a nominal donation community members may post appropriate personal messages such as birthday and anniversary announcements. You can download the request form here on our site or stop by the hospital and pick up a form in Administration.
