Rangely, Stories

Rangely hospital getting back to a full healthy staff

Dr. Katy Rieves, left, Rangely District Hospital’s newest physician, has begun seeing patients and getting to know hospital and clinic staff last week. Rieves is the friend and former coworker of Dr. Mercedes Cameron, center, who took a leave from RDH last December after being diagnosed with breast cancer. RDH registered nurse Shelby Lindsay, right, will begin seeing patients early next year after completing board and licensing requirements to become a nurse practitioner. Rieves and Lindsay are two of three health care providers filling slots left by Cameron and Dr. Chris Adams in the last year. A third physician, Dr. Casey Aguirre, has signed a contract to begin at RDH in March.
Dr. Katy Rieves, left, Rangely District Hospital’s newest physician, has begun seeing patients and getting to know hospital and clinic staff last week. Rieves is the friend and former coworker of Dr. Mercedes Cameron, center, who took a leave from RDH last December after being diagnosed with breast cancer. RDH registered nurse Shelby Lindsay, right, will begin seeing patients early next year after completing board and licensing requirements to become a nurse practitioner. Rieves and Lindsay are two of three health care providers filling slots left by Cameron and Dr. Chris Adams in the last year. A third physician, Dr. Casey Aguirre, has signed a contract to begin at RDH in March.
RANGELY I In the coming weeks and months, Rangely District Hospital hopes to offer what it’s been short on for the better part of a year: continuity.
In December, Dr. Mercedes Cameron took leave to be treated for breast cancer. Then, after extended absences beginning in February, Dr. Chris Adams resigned from the hospital in June, citing medical reasons and going on the hospital’s long-term disability program.
The hospital dealt with the loss of half of its regular physicians by coordinating the schedules of remaining doctors Karyl Ting, Tim Hsu and several locum tenens (fill-in) doctors. Still, in the last year, the hospital has had weeks in which just one doctor cared for patients in the clinic and emergency rooms. It has also had to cancel appointments, some of them long-standing.
“It’s unfortunate, but there’s no way we could have planned for what happened with Dr. Adams,” Rangely District Hospital CEO Nick Goshe said. “There’s no way we could have planned for what happened with Dr. Cameron … It’s been rough and we know that we’ve had a lot of cancellations. But I think it’s short-term.”
Goshe has reason to think so. Last week, family practice physician Katy Rieves arrived to familiarize herself with Rangely’s hospital, her new coworkers and future patients. Rieves, who began seeking a rural situation last year after running a Grand Junction private practice for 12 years, heard from friend and former coworker Mercedes Cameron that Rangely might be a good fit. After an interview and a visit, she was inclined to agree.
“The hospital’s gorgeous,” Rieves said. “To have a small town with such a great facility is a blessing.
“But more importantly, every single person … knew every other single person and seemed so nice and kind,” she said.
The hospital staff’s “learning-conducive” approach to dealing with challenges — among them federally-mandated Electronic Medical Records (EMR) requirements — was another draw, Rieves said. So was working at a facility that, while remote, still has relatively close driving and flight access to cities, at least compared to the Alaskan hospitals Rieves also considered.
Of the three health care providers who will begin scheduling patients between now and March, one is already familiar with the hospital’s inner workings. Registered nurse Shelby Lindsay, who contracted with RDH as a travel nurse in April 2012 and signed on as a full-time employee last November, will earn his nurse practitioner license and begin seeing patients early next year.
“I’ve always had a desire to help people,” he said. “That was why I got into health care to begin with. This just gives me the opportunity to take it to another level and be able to do more for my patients.”
Although Lindsay will consult regularly with physicians, he will see patients under his own license. Although the new position comes with a certain amount of anticipation, it’s a challenge Lindsay said he is ready for.
“When I started out in health care as a paramedic, that was anxiety-provoking — the fact that people were trusting me to make decisions for them,” Lindsay said. “And then when I moved on to become a nurse, that had its own extra level of anxiety for the same reason. And this will, as well. But you do your best to keep your patients’ best interests at the forefront.”
A second physician, D.O. Casey Aguirre, will arrive in Rangely after completing his residency in Pueblo this March. Aguirre, a Salt Lake City native, has been looking to practice on the Western Slope, Goshe said.
The picture, once complete, should result in locum doctors working only on weekends or when regular doctors are on vacation or ill, Goshe said.
Dr. Cameron also spent time in Rangely last week, visiting staff and learning about the new Electronic Medical Records system implemented since she left. Although she’s not yet ready to come back to work, citing “chemo brain” as stifling her mental acuity, she said it is still possible she’ll return.
“Physically, I’m great,” she said. “I can do everything I always did. I’m fabulously strong, all of that. It’s just the mental part. And we’ll just have to see what happens with all of that.
“There’s a big pull, a huge pull to come back here,” Cameron said. “You walk in the door and everybody’s thrilled to see you. But more importantly, it’s a really fabulous place to work.”
Whatever her future with RDH, Cameron believes that Rieves, Lindsay and Aguirre will provide the consistency the community needs.
“It’s a difficult thing in a very small town to not have continuity,” Cameron said. “We have that with the staff, but not the care providers. We’ve gotten close a few times and then things blow up. I get cancer, et cetera… Things happen.
“Now here we are again,” she said. “Shelby, Katy, Dr. Hsu, Dr. Ting are people who are going to be there. That’s what we all want for our care providers, someone who knows us and cares about us. We’re going to have that now.”
Rieves, who has a strong background in women’s health, said she is looking forward to expanding her “breadth of care” in Rangely, spending more time treating patients and their illnesses and less time dealing with patient management tasks.
One of her strengths, she said, is to look at illnesses from a variety of angles, then work with patients on an approach they’re comfortable with. For some individuals, that teamwork approach can result in what Rieves most loves about medicine: seeing people make consistently positive choices.
“If people change their habits, then their need for me is much less,” Rieves said. “It feels a lot better to someone when they’re facing death or illness if they’ve done the best they can versus shaming someone because this is a behavior they’ve wanted to change but they couldn’t.”
Lindsay’s motivation for moving to the next level of care is twofold: the people he’ll be working to help and those he works with every day.
“Most of the people who work here are really invested in the community and … seeing us fulfill our mission rather than just trying to get a paycheck,” he said. “That was one of the things that attracted me to want to stay.”
Rieves will work every other week in Rangely while Dr. Ting will see patients on Rieves’ off weeks. Lindsay will fill appointments Mondays through Fridays, while Dr. Aguirre will work Mondays through Thursdays each week.
Goshe plans to have two care providers in the clinic during the week and one provider covering the hospital size to minimize future cancellations.

Comments are closed.

Come say hi!

@ht.1885
  • It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week. Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! We appreciate all your continued support!
3 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

Thank you, advertisers!