VALENTINE, Neb. - Cherry County Hospital is set to expand its range of medical services, with new specialty areas potentially coming soon. CEO Jim Bargen provided an update to the county commissioners on Tuesday, covering the hospital's current budget, staffing efforts, and ongoing projects.

Bargen said the hospital is looking at adding several telehealth specialities, including neurology and stroke in the emergency room, endocrinology, nephrology, and diabetic education.

The CEO also discussed the ongoing challenge of staff shortages and the hospital’s focused recruitment initiatives. Recently, four new employees joined the hospital team, including two staff members in the laboratory.

“Our lab hasn’t been without a traveling position for around seven years, so I view that as a big step forward,” said Bargen.

Bargen also reported on efforts to fill key leadership roles. A new Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) was set to begin this week; however, that person got in a car crash on the way to Valentine. Bargen now hopes the new CNO will start next week.

“We know it’s going to be a long game plan with staffing,” said Bargen. “We’re working to develop pipelines in schools and also ramp up training on site to build skill levels and keep employees engaged in what they do.”

When asked about reducing the hospital’s dependency on traveling staff, Bargen acknowledged it as a long-term objective but noted it remains challenging.

“We also need to make sure our current employees have work-life balance,” said Bargen.