21 March 2011

Comedy event to benefit WPH Foundation

Comedy and classical guitar may not seem like a mix that would elevate a performer to the title of the “World’s Funniest Guitar Virtuoso,” but it has led Mike Rayburn to venues as diverse as Carnegie Hall and the Las Vegas Strip.

The West Park Hospital Foundation is bringing this world-class entertainer to Cody for “Laughter Is the Best Medicine,” a one-night comedy and music extravaganza.

Rayburn’s sophisticated and unique comedy style includes acts such as “Bruce Springsteen sings Green Acres,” “Led Zeppelin sings Dr. Seuss,” playing both parts of “Dueling Banjos” at the same time on the same guitar and seamlessly melding classical guitar with pop music, such as a song that incorporates “Greensleeves,” “Stairway to Heaven,” “YMCA” and “Chopsticks.”

“We’ve had a great response considering this is our first event,” said Graham Jackson, WPH trustee and foundation chairwoman. “It’s especially exciting because the proceeds will directly benefit West Park Hospital patients and families, Cody and the entire Big Horn Basin.”

The West Park Hospital Foundation has been in existence since 1997, but became active in 2008 with the hiring of a full-time director and the selection of a board of directors.

The foundation has supported projects such as the successful $3 million “Closer to Home” capital campaign to build a hospice house, WPH’s cardiac rehab program and WPH’s Long Term Care Center.

“This is a great event to not only see a world-class performer, but also to learn more about the WPH Foundation and how it supports our patients and community,” Jackson said.

Rayburn will perform at the Cody Cattle Company on Saturday, March 26 for one show only. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and social hour being at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. A cash bar will be available.

So far, 284 tickets have been sold, and seating is limited. Tickets are only available in advance by contacting West Park Hospital Foundation assistant Goldie Mandella at 578-2338 or foundation@wphcody.org. Tickets will not be available at the door. Cost is $40.

For more information about Rayburn, including samples of his music and comedy, visit www.mikerayburn.com.

27 October 2010

WPH Foundation gives $50,000 to LTCC, Cardiopulmonary and Rehab Services

As part of the WPH Foundation Annual Giving Campaign, the WPH Foundation gave $50,000 to the WPH Long Term Care Center, WPH Physical Therapy Department and the Cardiac Rehab Department. The gifts are to incentivize giving at year end.

“This is the first year the WPH Foundation has initiated an annual campaign, and the foundation wanted to promote the spirit of giving by making the first gift," said Rebecca Rych, Foundation Director.

The Long Term Care, Physical Therapy and Cardiac Rehab departments presented specific needs to the WPH Foundation Board on Oct. 12 at the WPH Foundation Board Meeting.

The items to be funded for Long Term Care include Automatic Lift Chairs, which provide better comfort and safer positioning for residents and staff when transferring in and out of recliners. The current chairs require manual lifting, which is uncomfortable for the staff and places the staff at greater risk for injury.

A Bladder Scanner was also awarded, which functions by performing an ultrasound on patient’s bladders instead of catherization.

A Dinatap Vital Signs Monitor was awarded, and its function is to provide consistent and accurate readings for a patient's blood pressure, pulse, respirations and oxygen saturation.

Six electric beds were also awarded to LTC.

Rehab Services and Cardiopulmonary were awarded a Nu-Step Recumbant Stepper and a SciFit Arm Ergometer for their Cardiac Rehab program, which was restarted in June 2010.

“The volume of outpatients and cardiac rehab patients has put a strain on available equipment. Rehab regulations require that the patients be treated using a variety of cardio modalities/equipment and this can be challenging,” said Michelle Christy, Director of Rehab Services.

Doug McMillan, CEO commented, “WPH is very appreciative of the WPH Foundation approving and supporting the equipment requests that will enhance our patient care in the hospital and Long Term Care. The equipment approved for cardiac rehab will assist in enhancing the services provided to the large number of cardiac rehab patients WPH serves.”

The WPH Foundation Annual Giving Campaign will significantly impact the needs of the hospital.

“This year the focus is on starting an endowment for the foundation. Gifts towards endowment will be matched by the state of Wyoming through the Critical/Access/Rural Hospital endowment challenge,” stated Rebecca Rych.

To receive tax advantages for 2010, donors must submit gifts to the WPH Foundation prior to December 31, 2010.

Graham Jackson, Chairman of the foundation board said, “The foundation board appreciated the presentations made by hospital personnel to obtain equipment that complemented the high standard of quality of care throughout WPH and ensured the safety of patients and staff.”

The WPH Foundation’s mission is to provide philanthropic support to WPH for programs, services and equipment to assure the highest quality of patient-centered care and enhance the quality of health in our community.

21 September 2010

Realtors' group donates GPS units to WPH Emergency Services Department

CODY, Wyo. — West Park Hospital received a very generous gift from the Wyoming chapter of Certified Residential Specialists (CRS).

CRS is a very dynamic group of Realtors nationwide who adhere to specific training and accept a high code of ethics. There are 156 CRS chapter members in Wyoming, with 16 in Cody, Powell, Lovell and Basin.

The group donated two GPS systems to be utilized by the West Park Hospital EMS department in its ambulances.

Spokesperson for the group, Phyllis

Claudson from Sage Realty, said that

every year the Wyoming chapter of CRS members plan a project for a local charity. Their 2010 “Chapter with a Heart Project” was to collect donations for GPS units for ambulances in rural areas such as Cody, Powell, Gillette and Lovell.

When asked why GPS units for ambulances, Claudson responded, “ We know the importance of first responders and we wanted to help make their job easier, because they do so much for our community, we wanted to recognize them.”

The two GPS units were well received by WPH staff and already they have been put to use. 

The GPS are a significant attribute in getting to people in times of need, especially in rural areas where some roads are not clearly marked. In an emergency situation, time is critical.  “We are very appreciative of the CRS Realtors group for donating GPS units to EMS services for their ambulances. GPS units in our ambulances can shorten the response time when in route to difficult areas in Park County that could have a dramatic effect on the patients care and recovery” said Doug McMillan, CEO of WPH.

This very thoughtful gift from the CRS professionals is another way community members support the mission of WPH Foundation and bring better health care services to our community.

Thank you Phyllis Claudson, of Sage Realty; Sandi Shearer, of Prudential; and the entire Wyoming CRS Chapter!

9 September 2010

Hospice house ground-breaking scheduled for Oct. 6 at 11 a.m.

CODY, Wyo. — The public is invited to join West Park Hospital, staff, trustees and capital campaign volunteers for the Spirit Mountain Hospice House ground-breaking Oct. 6 at 11 a.m. at the future hospice house site on Canyon View Avenue, below the hospital.

The ground-breaking will include a blessing from hospice spiritual counselor Randy Leisey, a ribbon-cutting with the Cody Country Chamber Ambassadors and light refreshments.

Watch for future events such as the Fund A Foot donor "concrete signing" and the grand opening, scheduled for early summer 2011.