by Richard Uhlhorn
Guild B presented the Hospital Commission with a check for $5,000. Pam James , Guild B representative said, “I wish it could be more.” Chairwoman Mary Murphy replied that in the hospital’s book, the Guild are heroines. “It is so appreciated,” said Murphy.
CHAIR REPORT:
Murphy publicly announced her gratitude to the administration, staff and all levels of the Lake Chelan Health organization. “You’ve been through a lot of challenges at a time when change is the normal in health care.”
STRATEGIC PLAN
Cheryl Cornwell and Shawn Ottley reported
Shawn said the substance of the plan hasn’t changed substantially. “I will have a Dashboard with metrics for the next meeting.” However, Cornwell stated that she needs time to polish the plan. “I don’t know if it will be available by the next meeting.”
Jeremy Jaech would like to see good measurable tactics. The commissioners all stated that it was a good start.
Murphy remarked that it was something to aspire too. Community… using EMS, Chelan Valley Hope and TLC amongst other organizations for the betterment of community health and wellness.
CEO SEARCH
Reviewing a lot of applications including some who currently work at the hospital. “that’s exciting,” said Murphy. Remarked that one candidate is coming for a site visit in December..
NEW BUSINESS
Mary Signorelli brought up a letter sent to the Commission regarding a request to set up a meeting between Chelan Fire and Rescue and the Hospital concerning the potential of merging EMS with the Fire Department. “Are we going to talk about that,” she asked. Murphy said the letter came in after the agenda was set. “Let’s get all of our information together and ask Ray to give us a presentation at the next meeting.”
(Chelan Fire and Rescue has been interested in meeting with the EMS, the hospital and Manson Fire District #5 to explore the feasibility of combining services.)
FINANCIAL REPORT
CFO Cheryl Cornwell presented the 2022 budget which the Commissioners approved Resolution 2021-11 without objection. Commissioner Jeremy Jaech stated that he appreciated the budget process and the budget workshop. Murphy said, “They say the budget is where the rubber hits the road.”
In addition, Cornwell went through the hospital’s Gross Patient Service Revenues
- Inpatient revenues $ 544,758
- Out Patient revenues $2,158,976
Deduction ($1,305,665) - Net Patient revenues $1,398,068
- Other Revenues $ 456,963
- TOTAL $1,855,031
Cornwell stated that COVID continues to hamper the hospital. “We are still feeling the impact of COVID,” she said. Jaech asked where specifically COVID is affecting hospital services. Cornwell replied that the lack of elective surgeries was a big one, people putting off visits and being underpaid for swing bed stays. Jaech asked if there were staffing issues to which Cornwell said no.
The hospital had 388 Emergency Room visits in October; Performed 26 procedures (no surgeries); Performed 808 Imaging services; 2,874 Lab Tests; 447 Rehabilitation services; 128 EMS calls; 442 Clinic visits; 138 Specialty services; and 304 Express Clinic visits.
FACILITIES REPORT
Mary Signorelli reported that the committee discussed the proposals of the three evaluations of the Heritage Heights property. She said it would be discussed in executive session with the rest of the board after which she thought action might be brought forward after the session.
The new Hospital construction project is on budget and schedule. “They are covering up the roof so they can work inside interiors during the winter,” said Signorelli.
QUALITY CONTROL
Quality Director Shawn Ottley reported that in 2022 they will be focused on work plans. “We are working with the departments on what they need to work on,” sais Ottley
He said they would be streamlining practices in 2022 and helping departments to maximize their quality components.
All Things Lake Chelan 