Hospital services outlined

An outline of the new services for patients at Dan C. Trigg Memorial Hospital was presented to the Quay County Commissioners by the Administrator Vincent DiFranco.

During Monday’s regular meeting DiFranco said since taking over as the administrator six months ago he has had a productive experience with the physicians and staff at the hospital. He said one of the newer services the hospital has begun is home sleep studies. These studies can be conducted by the patients in their own homes.

“Patients have reported it is easier for them to conduct the test at home,” DiFranco said.

DiFranco said the patient has all of the equipment, goes through a training with the physician, goes home then returns the submits the results the next day. He said there has also been discussions to bring a gastroenterologist and orthopedic specialist to the hospital to hold weekly clinics.

Offering these types of services weekly in the county will greatly benefit the elderly patients who would normally have to travel out of town, said Commission Chair Franklin McCasland.

DiFranco said there are discussions ongoing to bring in a new nurse practitioner to the area as well as active recruiting for a new family practice doctor.

“One of the main issues I have been passionate about is bringing in obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN) services into our county,” said District 1 Commissioner Sue Dowell.

DiFranco said there have been discussions with the OBGYN clinic in Clovis but at this time they are down one doctor. He said he will continue to pursue the possibilities of gaining a OBGYN doctor at Dan C. Trigg.

Dowell said having a local OBGYN would be so beneficial to the residents, especially those in the last weeks of their pregnancy when so many visits are necessary.

It is my understand, the emergency room services at the hospital have been out-sourced, is that true, asked District 2 Commissioner Mike Cherry.

DiFranco said as of Feb. 1 the services have been out-sourced and continue to offer the best emergency care to the residents.

Other items before the commission.

• Quay County Treasurer Patsy Gresham informed the commission the update to their EAGLE software has been completed. She said with the upgrade, conversion the treasurers’ office can no offer improved and new services to the residents. Gresham said she would like to look into an additional $10,000 upgrade that would allow the treasurers’ office and other county offices the ability to use debit, credit cards at and online. She said this would allow residents to pay their taxes online.

• Quay County Road Superintendent Larry Moore updated the commission about the recent roads impacted by the rainfall. He said currently the crews are working on conducting what repairs they can do on the roads report to the department. Moore presented the commission with a map and listing of all the county road projects conducted since 2005. The projects included the improvement to county roads through co-op and state funding including bus routes.

• The commission approved Resolution No. 11, supporting the legislative priorities of the New Mexico Association of Counties.

n The commission approved Resolution No. 12, for the 2017-2018 Quay County Infrastructure Plan. The items on the priorities list included: renovations at the Quay County Detention Center, bridge repair work on Route 66 and Ute Reservoir Watershed Restoration.

• During public comments, Tucumcari MainStreet Director Gail Houser reminded the commission that Fired Up!, will be held on Sept. 30, with a larger vendor turnout, new entertainment and expanded youth activities expected. Quay County Fair Board member Dallas Dowell extended a thank you and appreciation to the commission for all of the improvements at the County Fairgrounds and work done by county employees during the Quay County Fair.

• The commissioners held an executive session to discuss threatened and pending litigation. No action was taken.