Since construction began in late summer of 2024, the Spearfish Hospital expansion has called for some creative improvising. Currently the front access to the Hospital is being relocated from the south end to the north end. Because of this, the current drop off area to the Hospital and Clinic are temporarily inaccessible until at least the end of August.
Angie Leonard, Director of Ambulatory Operations for the Specialty Clinics in Spearfish, wanted to find a way to help patients who may require assistance to avoid a long walk from the parking lot.
“We came up with the idea of having a golf cart to transport patients back and forth,” Angie says. “It started off in the beginning of June with about four of us in the clinic being available for patients. Our front desk staff would call us when a patient needs to leave and we’d come pick them up.”
Not long after the golf cart transport was put into place, Angie and her colleagues realized they needed to make more Caregivers available so that there was always someone on the cart, ready to offer a ride. A volunteer sign up sheet was distributed where Caregivers could register for an hour or two of carting patients back and forth from the entrance to the parking lot.
Jeanette Carlson, APP, Ear, Nose and Throat Nurse Practitioner, is one of the devoted Caregivers who added her name to help transport patients.
“It’s one of those extra things that we can do for our patients. I’m more than happy to do it,” Jeanette says. “Who doesn’t want to drive a golf cart around on a gorgeous day and help people out?”
Riding in a circuit between the parking lots along North Avenue, Jeanette patrols for patients and asks them if they’d like to hop on. Some take advantage, while some say they, too, would rather enjoy the nice weather.
“It’s been going well, people are so appreciative, especially our elderly patients,” says Angie.
Well done, Jeanette, Angie and all of the other Spearfish Caregivers lending a helping hand to provide a caring experience.
Story and Photos: Kory Lanphear