Hospital board approves new patient resource
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The Ringgold County Hospital board of trustees met for their regular monthly meeting, Monday, October 23, and began the meeting by swearing in new board member, Chris Eaton, as a hospital trustee to complete the unexpired term of Eddie Daily. Department reports were provided in the fairly brief meeting by Amy Mobley, CNO, Tiffany Bolles, UR, QI, Case management, Missy Walter, CFO and Nicky Gilbertson, CEO.
Bolles gave a presentation outlining a new resource for patients and families that could be created with board approval and support. This resource, PFAC, (patient family advisory council) would be a voice for patients and families. It would provide guidance and insight to improve quality care and patient experience as well as creating cohesive understanding for patients and staff. The group would develop an established mission, a logo and would attend board meetings with regular reports. The PFAC would consist of Bolles, serving as leader and coordinator, Amy Mobley, chief nursing officer and a patient family member able to give perspective from outside the hospital and willing to represent all patients and families. Regular meetings of the PFAC would include an agenda addressing pertinent topics and aligning with strategic goals. Team members would have an established mission. The board gave approval for the creation of this group.
Financials reported by Walter showed revenue was short in all three areas, inpatient, outpatient and clinic with visits down significantly. Overall gross revenue was down by $250K. On the flip side, 340B revenue continues to show positive changes with $45K revenue for the month. Year-to-date 340B has added $154K to the bottom line. Salaries and wages and contract labor were mostly on target for the month, with benefits totaling $319K, over budget by $71K. Supplies were under budget by $113K, as departments are “taking a deep hard look” at supplies to keep that number down, according to Walter. Walter also reported the hospital has recently switched the group purchasing agreement with Mercy with their involvement with Trinity and that has put RCH on a different purchasing track. She concluded, “so far, we are seeing good changes.” Four new beds were added to assets, with bed replacement switched to a cycle of 3 to 4 beds per year, as opposed to replacing sixteen at one time. The month was settled out with a net loss of $205K.
Mobley reported Ron Schaefer is now providing a full day of wound care; infection prevention week was celebrated last week, and pharmacy and rehab were both recognized on case management and quality along with respiratory therapy.
Employee of the month was Tanaya Winther, LPN.
Nicky Gilbertson, CEO, rounded out the reports sharing with the board that ophthalmology services are very close to being added which will allow for cataract surgeries. Gilbertson discussed the hospital will again be “thinking outside the box” in terms of oncology services.
New and reappointments were made to medical staff and the meeting was adjourned.
