September 24, 2024 |
Photo – MHCC clinic announcement – Courtesy MHCC
The retired Hanna clinic provider has chosen to continue seeing patients for the next six months.
Memorial Hospital of Carbon County recently announced the temporary return of Physician Assistant Peggy Lake. After eight years of practicing medicine with Memorial Hospital, Lake decided to retire this summer and move out of Carbon County to be closer to her family. However, a housing snag has meant that Lake will remain in our area for another six months.
Memorial Hospital Director of Strategic Operations Stephanie Hinkle explained that Lake, upon learning that she will remain in Carbon County for a bit longer, asked to continue seeing patients.
For the next six months, Lake will be in Hanna every Tuesday and at the Saratoga Clinic for the remainder of the week. Hinkle said any changes to the schedule will be posted to the Memorial Hospital of Carbon County Facebook page.
After six months, Memorial Hospital must make alternative arrangements for Hanna and Medicine Bow patients. Nothing has been finalized yet, but Hinkle said the plan is for Lake to begin seeing patients remotely after she leaves.
Lake’s return was publicly announced on Monday. Hinkle said patients have already begun to schedule appointments at the Hanna Clinic. Being open one day a week won’t please everyone, but the hospital is working on a way to keep all its clinics open full time.
Finding qualified employees is a challenge across the country, especially in healthcare. Budgeting for new providers can be difficult, said Hinkle. However, the largest hurdle is convincing applicants to live in Carbon County. Hinkle said the hospital ensures potential employees, and their families, understand rural Wyoming life before being offered a job.
Memorial Hospital has been searching for a provider to take over the Hanna clinic since Lake announced her retirement earlier this year. The hunt will continue as Lake is only returning to the Hanna and Saratoga Clinics for the next six months. Afterwards, Hinkle said remote appointments may be an option for Lake’s established patients.
Hinkle said Lake’s decision to continue practicing medicine in Carbon County speaks to her dedication to patient care and the wellbeing of residents.
