Gillette Hospital Trustee Apologizes in Strep A Disclosures

GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) — A Campbell County Memorial Hospital trustee is apologizing for how the community learned the hospital had treated two cases of flesh-eating bacteria.

When the Gillette News-Record asked Sept. 5 about rumors of a Streptococcus A outbreak, hospital spokeswoman Karen Clarke said there were only rumors. The hospital has since said it treated three patients with serious Strep infections, including two with flesh-eating bacteria.

Trustee George Dunlap said Wednesday he had heard about the cases before Clarke's initial response and believes she was given bad information. Dunlap said he didn't speak up because he was tired of Board of Trustees Chairman Brook Bahnson criticizing him for speaking out about hospital issues. Bahnson declined to comment.

The Associated Press reports hospital officials maintain they informed the public as they learned of information.