ROCK SPRINGS — For years, Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County has been in the crosshairs of many upset residents. Wait times in the emergency room, the quality of care and the attention given to patients were all issues heard on a daily basis. Recently, some of the negatives have been slowly turning to positives.

To turn around the public attitude towards the hospital, the administration and Hospital Board of Trustees focused on the issues that seemed to come forward continually. Policies were changed; new personal attitudes were implemented, and more attention all around was given to these negatives coming from the public.

One of the new efforts was the creation of a Quality Committee to watch the numbers, the complaints and the different aspects of providing the best service to the public as possible. Recently, the committee was honored for the work that has been done to help change the perception of the hospital.

At the recent MHSC board meeting, Vice President of the Board Joe Manatos, Chief Executive Officer Jerry Klein and other top officials honored the committee for its work to improve the situation.

Members of the committee include Amanda Molski, Clayton Radakovich, Dr. Stacy Prescott, Keri Chorazewitz, Dr. Joseph Oliver, Phillip Reints, Dr. Pritam Neupane, Stephanie Mlinar and Tracey Ostdahl. Also on the committee are officials: Chief Nursing Officer Deborah Gasper, CEO Jerry Klein, Chief Financial Officer Irene Richardson and board members Manatos, Harry Horn and Gene Carmody.

Manatos said the committee has been doing an outstanding job, and the quality numbers are showing it. Both Manatos and Klein pointed to one number in particular. This month, every patient who went into the emergency room was seen. They said there was not one patient who left without being seen by staff which is a big deal for the hospital.

Klein also said the customer satisfaction scores have made a “remarkable” move upward.

“I’m very impressed, and it really looks like we are turning a corner,” Klein proudly said.

Horn and Carmody also echoed Manatos’ comments on the incredible turn around and not only gave the quality committee a thumbs up but also gave all the employees at the hospital recognition for the desire to help MHSC patients and families.

Chief Nursing Officer Gasper said it has been a team effort and thanked the board for being open with the committee by giving them critiques and feedback.

“These guys really care about the subject of quality, and it shows,” Gasper said. “They are a great team to work with and they are very hard working.”

Board Chairman Artis Kalivis has been on the board for many years and has seen the public backlash first hand.

“This is great to see, especially with all the ups and downs we have gone through in the past,” Kalivis said.