First responders speak out in support of Ron Copeland

By Dylan Thompson
Burns Times-Herald

The Harney County Health District Board of Directors met on July 28, focusing on the difficulty surrounding the recent firing of Emergency Medical Technician Ron Copeland and the looming issues enveloping the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) department of the hospital.

However, rather than originating within the board, the big splashes concerning the issue came from public commentary.

The first to speak up was First Responder Bill Otley, who wished to show his support for Copeland, who was previously in charge of training EMTs and first responders. Otley stressed that he believed Copeland was doing a great job, and that the training he provided was more than adequate.

More public expression came toward the end of the meeting when First Responders Laura Sword and Barbara Howard, both from Drewsey, reiterated previous letters by stating their distress. Like Otley, both communicated their support for Copeland.

Sword continued to say she felt issues had blossomed when the new EMS manager canceled regular meetings until the problems with the First Responder training had been addressed. She explained that she, and others within the First Responders, felt threatened when the new manager challenged their training. Both Sword and Howard went on to say that they didn’t think anyone within the department felt undertrained.

After the public’s comments had been heard, Chief Clinical Officer Ron Wulff invited the public to come in and discuss issues with him personally.

In other news:

• Dr. Holland Haynie gave the Chief of Medical Staff Report, stating that he was currently working with the Veterans Association (VA) and VA clinic manager Steve Bull to ease problems, especially with patient flow. He also explained that work was being done to take care of issues with patient care regarding the VA and the emergency room;

• the board approved the credentials of Nurse Anesthetist William Edwards and radiologists William Wheir, John Stassen and Robert Hogan.

• the board approved bonds for new Digital Mammography, Swing Bed and EMS Equipment;

• the board also voted on next year’s board officers. Tim Smith was retained as chairman, Sam Caizza was retained as treasurer and Ann Vloedman was appointed as secretary. All three were appointed unanimously by acclamation;

• Chief Financial Officer Catherine White reported that June was a good month in which the hospital had good patient revenue and a positive net income of $34,000;

• Toni Siegner reminded the board of the upcoming community appreciation event that will be held Friday, Aug. 6, between the Burns Elks Lodge and the Desert Theatre, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. There will be a band and food will be provided.

• CCO Ron Wulff reported that the hospital’s respiratory procedures had increased in the last month and that the EMS had increased runs. He also stated that the BLM offered to coordinate with the First Responders, which would increase the First Responders coverage. The BLM First Responders are equally trained;

• finally, Denise Rose reported that the hospital had begun to treat its first chemotherapy patients. She said the patients are pleased with getting care locally.

The next Harney District Hospital Board meeting will be at 6 p.m. Aug. 25 in the downstairs meeting room at the hospital.