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Granite County Medical Center pursues Billings Clinic partnership as leaders report short-term stabilizing steps
Summary
Granite County Medical Center leaders told commissioners June 16 that short-term operational steps, donor-funded repairs and a no‑cost assessment from Billings Clinic aim to stabilize the critical access hospital while the district pursues grants and leadership changes.
Granite County Medical Center (GCMC) officials and representatives from Billings Clinic told the Board of County Commissioners on June 16 that the hospital is pursuing short‑term operational fixes, funding opportunities and an outside assessment to stabilize services.
Interim CEO Doris Gilbertson reported emergency measures and recent investments: two new water heaters installed with Medical Foundation funds, laboratory reconstruction costing about $25,000 funded by HDR, vendor‑provided lab equipment, and receipt of roughly $13,000 from a SHIP grant. Gilbertson said imaging services, disrupted after an earlier contract termination, were expected to resume after staff completed training.
John Barbara, co‑chair of the GCMC board, said the Billings Clinic has offered a no‑cost assessment and assistance to develop short‑, mid‑ and long‑term plans. Jim Duncan of Billings Clinic described the Rural Health Transformation Program and federal funding opportunities and said Billings Clinic has experience assisting more than 20 critical access hospitals in Montana and Wyoming. Nicole Hobbs of Billings Clinic recommended an experienced interim CEO focused on turnarounds rather than immediately hiring a permanent chief executive.
The presenters shared utilization and billing estimates for June 1–15: three observation days; 17 emergency‑room visits; 27 swing‑bed days (about $174,000 in potential billings); and two acute‑care days (about $63,700 in potential billings). Gilbertson cautioned that billed amounts and actual reimbursements can differ. County Attorney Blaine Bradshaw said the hospital district’s outstanding balance to the County had declined from earlier negative figures, reporting improvements from about negative $1.5 million to roughly negative $1.2 million in recent cash reports.
Public commenters, including Jen Walters and board member Lorine Jost, asked about short‑term financial needs, roof repairs, laboratory timelines, and communication ahead of any future levy requests. Billings Clinic representatives said short‑term operational support would likely be needed for several months while no‑cost assessments and due diligence are completed.
The commissioners expressed cautious optimism about the partnership but emphasized the need for clear milestones and timely reporting. Billings Clinic said it had identified potential interim CEO candidates and advocated for expedited assessment because of the hospital’s condition.
Next steps identified by speakers include completing the Billings Clinic assessment at no cost to the hospital district, recruiting an interim CEO experienced in turnarounds, and pursuing available grant and RHTP funding opportunities. No formal county action was taken beyond discussion and acknowledgement of the partnership proposal.
