RCH monthly meeting recap
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By KEN GARNER
MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The Ringgold County Hospital held its monthly Board of Directors meeting in late September and updated the board on a variety of issues including, but not limited to, facility upgrade plans, staffing, finances and technology upgrades.
On staffing, it was reported that RCH has extended an offer to a new emergency department nurse practitioner, who is expected to complete her NP program at the end of October and potentially begin working sometime in November. It is reported that the candidate brings significant prior experience as an ICU, emergency department and flight nurse. The hospital is still receiving a fair amount of interest in the remaining emergency department provider position interest.
The board also announced that longtime provider Dr. Bruce Ricker has announced his retirement effective at the end of the year.
In regards to visiting physician services, Eric Richard, PA-C, has been credentialed and will begin providing cardiology services at RCH in December. Following an initial December visit, he is expected to provide services on the first Wednesday of each month. Also, Dr. Martin will continue providing services at RCH twice monthly.
The hospital is also working on numerous facilities upgrades as evidence by the changes to the entrance of the Emergency Department. The continual rain the area has received recently delayed some of the construction of the new entrance, but other than weather, no other issues exist.
There will also be a new facility-wide camera system installed in the near future as the equipment has been ordered with installation anticipated to be completed in November. The system will provide greater security to both employees, patients and visitors. It is reported that RCH received some savings on the camera system purchase with those savings set to be used for badge lock access on facility door to further secure employee and patient care areas.
Other facility upgrades include the installation of the hospital’s new DEXA scanner. A DEXA scanner is a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan that is a quick, low-dose X-ray that can be used to diagnose osteoporosis, assess fracture risks, measure bone density, bone strength and body composition.
The hospital is looking to develop plans to expand screening opportunities, including potential cash-based wellness screening services.
RCH is preparing for a visit from the University of Iowa that is scheduled for November 2 for a review of the hospital’s quality and credentialing programs. In August the RCH Board agreed to a Tier 1 affiliation with the University of Iowa Health System. According to the hospital, RCH has “undertaken a significant update of its quality program in preparation for the review and as part of the hospital’s continued focus on quality improvement.”
The hospital is continuing its annual financial audit as well as its annual Medicare cost report. RCH is working with its Group Purchasing Organization to identify additional purchasing discounts, partnerships and cost-saving opportunities. The hospital has transitioned into a new purchasing cluster following its departure from the MercyOne affiliation and is evaluating opportunities to further strengthen its purchasing power.
The hospital is continuing to monitor measles activity throughout the region and encourages community members to remain current on recommended vaccinations.
Employee influenza vaccination efforts began September 22 in preparation for the upcoming influenza season. Seasonal influenza vaccines are also now available to the public through the hospital.
