Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor:

The Sundance Times reported that the Board of Trustees of Crook County Medical Services District is considering not renewing its contract with Health Management Services (HMS) unless HMS “get[s] rid of [CEO Nathan] Hough.” (February 20, 2020, Page 1, “Job Posting reveals CCMSD CEO change”)

I believe that it is important the Board should renew its contract with HMS and should keep Mr. Hough as the CEO of the county medical services.

I have lived in Crook County for 45 years and have seen many different options for management tried for the hospital and clinics. The concern with the high cost of management contracts seems to be a recurring concern, and the thought of running the system without the services of a managing company has arisen more than once.

Often, after a management company has been managing our system for a period of time, local dissatisfaction with the company over any number of issues begins to gain strength. We’ve never maintained a relationship with a management company over many years.

There have been times when the local medical system has been unable to recruit and retain doctors and other providers and times when revenue would not cover expenses.

Under the leadership of HMS and Mr. Hough, our health care system has flourished, probably better than at any other time. Mr. Hough has received national recognition for his skills as an administrator; the hospital and the clinics have seen enhancements in the services offered and significant increases in usage. The county now has a staff of doctors and other providers that is adequate to the work load, that is highly skilled and that is committed to working for the people of Crook County for the long haul.

The system is performing as never before. I implore the Board not to let minor annoyances blind them to the fact that things are very good. Let’s continue our progress by keeping in place our winning team.

Sincerely,

Ernie Reinhold