The Hospital Commission met Monday night and heard more positive news about hospital operations. CEO Angie Shaw said patient rooms are receiving new flooring, and the awnings which were delayed by persistent rains are now going up. New surveillance cameras will be added to give staff a better view of the parking lot. A grant will pay for two new defibrillators and a handheld ultrasound unit for the emergency room.
Warmer weather has brought a higher volume of patients in the ER. That patient load has increased 18 percent over this time last year, and may require additional staff in the ER, which usually only has one doctor and one nurse on duty. A new therapist has been hired in respiratory therapy.
Shaw had reported no new Covid cases at last month’s commission meeting, but she said nine new cases have been noted. The hospital has presented two vaccination clinics, with 190 total participants.
In other business:
- Commissioner Kent Turner has been working to find a company to audit the hospital. He said he has found some possible options. He also explained that a $450,000 certificate of deposit is about to expire, and all agreed to wait a few months before investing in a new CD. The interest rate is likely to rise, possibly by as much as two percent. Before committing the funds to a long-term CD, the commission may need those funds for planned expansion. During the comments period at the end of the meeting, Turner said the coming fiscal year will bring “substantial” federal aid for small rural hospitals, and he hopes this hospital will receive some of those funds.
- A finalist will be announced Friday for the hospital’s $1,500 scholarship, to be given to a student pursuing an education in a health-related field.
- Samantha Jones described efforts in marketing and promotion. She said National Hospital Week was a “huge success,” with catered lunches and other benefits for employees. She read a long list of businesses who contributed to make the week such a success.
- Commissioner April Griffith is completing her term on the board, and said other obligations will prevent her from taking on another term at this time. She said she enjoyed her time on the commission, and appreciated the recent progress at the hospital.
- Chair Barbara Dicks encouraged the public to get involved with the stroke program at the hospital. She said the hospital can make an important difference in stabilizing someone with prompt response to symptoms. “It’s amazing what they can do,” she said.
- The commission has a workshop scheduled for noon on June 4, and the next meeting of the full commission will be at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 20.