406 FORUM

The Dec. 9 opening of Big Sky Medical Center has broadly expanded healthcare offerings in Big Sky with its four-bed inpatient unit, six-room emergency department, lab services and MRI. How will its opening impact you and this community?

Lianne Kershaw, Big Sky, Mont.

Owner, Sanook Skin Care and Massage Therapy

“This is a historical day, not just for the state, but for the community. To be able to access services that we normally have to go to Bozeman for – that’s a blessing … We’re so lucky that we have a certain affluence in the community. I know that there were big donations from the Yellowstone Club and a few members that donated a half of a million dollars each.”

Ross Downer, Big Sky, Mont.

Rental Technician, Grizzly Outfitters Ski & Backcountry Sports

“I definitely think it’s important to the community because we have a small population, but a lot of medical [incidents] … There’s definitely demand for urgent medical care. [On Dec. 8] there were two different folks who got ambulanced [off Big Sky Resort], pretty much simultaneously.”

Jenny Hake, Big Sky, Mont.

Emergency Room Registered Nurse, Big Sky Medical Center

“We get to take care of our community members when they’re in need instead of sending them somewhere else … We’ll get to know names and faces and they’ll get to know us as a staff, instead of going to a big, crazy E.R.”