Montezuma County to consider letter supporting SHS request for new CT scanner and imaging equipment

Miss Jabbour, representing SHS, told the Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday that SHS is applying for congressionally directed spending and requested a county letter of support to replace an aging CT scanner.

The scanner is “old enough to drive a motor vehicle at this point,” Jabbour said, adding that it is “well past end of life” and “integral and very critical to our ability to assess and treat trauma patients.” She said the hospital’s emergency services use the machine frequently. Adam Conley, identified as the organization’s chief financial officer, said he attended to support the request and answer questions.

A county commissioner said the board recognizes the importance of the rural hospital and its equipment. “We do support you,” the commissioner said, while noting the board cannot take action in a workshop. The board indicated the support letter will be considered at the county’s next public meeting the following day.

Jabbour said the spending request also includes an x-ray unit and a nuclear medicine device with CT capability to serve as backup. No funding amounts or firm timelines for replacement were provided in the workshop.

The board did not vote on the request during the workshop; members explained state and local rules require any formal action to occur at a noticed public meeting. The board’s next scheduled meeting was identified as the venue to consider whether to approve and sign a letter of support for SHS’s congressionally directed spending application.

If the board votes on the letter at the public meeting, that action will be recorded in the board minutes for the subsequent meeting.