I’ve never been into the idea of “keeping up with the Joneses.”

Aside from the fact that I don’t live near any families of Joneses, I’ve never minded the oft repeated line that Wyoming is generally behind the latest trends. I don’t mind being a bit behind — it gives us a chance to see what’s going on in other areas and how it works or doesn’t work, before we take the leap. 

However, when it comes to keeping up on the latest trends and technological advances in healthcare, it’s important that Powell Valley Healthcare does indeed keep up as much as possible with the latest in new technology to ensure area patients receive the best care possible. 

I attended a recent presentation by Dr. Galen Mills on the hospital’s Mako robot, delivered at the PVHC cafeteria to a crowd of largely physical therapists. The Mako robot assists surgeons in performing complicated procedures such as knee replacement surgeries. 

He said in the years the hospital has had the machine and the times Mills has used it, it’s only reinforced his appreciation for the device, how it makes complicated procedures so much easier. 

It’s little surprise, then, that the hospital is eyeing a da Vinci robot next, a system Cody Regional Health and North Big Horn Hospital already have that helps surgeons in different areas (Mills said mainly in the torso area). CEO Todd Sandberg told board members at a meeting last week that if they want to be in the running to recruit a new OBGYN doctor, someone early in their career, to replace Dr. Jenkins Clarkson, they’re going to need a roughly $2 million da Vinci, as that’s what the newer generations of doctors are using for certain procedures. 

And beyond robots, the hospital is always looking at ways to improve in areas. Some of these projects are funded by the various fundraisers the Powell Hospital Foundations runs throughout the year (Cody even funded its da Vinci robot through the West Park Hospital Foundation).

Right now the Powell foundation is running its annual “You’ve Been Flocked” campaign to raise funds for the infusion department through the month of October, and near the end of the month will hold another edition of Murder Mystery Casino Night, with proceeds likely going to the Powell Valley Care Center for improvements. 

So, if you, too, want to ensure our local hospital is indeed “keeping up with the Joneses,” visit the foundation’s Facebook page for more info on how to help.