On Thursday, November 30, Greenwood County Hospital (GWCH) Board of Trustees were notified that the facility had received a Performance Leadership Award from Chartis in the field of quality. This is a nation-wide annual honor that recognizes performance in rural hospitals. “We have been working very hard at increasing our percentage rankings in this area,” commented Hospital CEO Sandy Dickerson. She continued, “The staff has done an excellent job and is to be commended on this achievement.”
Following their callto- order at 5:27 p.m. last Thursday, the GWCH board received an introduction from new member Cinda Beals. Beals joined the board for her first meeting last week, and the final regular meeting of 2023.
In her regular CEO report, Dickerson shared that the Christmas luncheon for the hospital would be December 21. Members of board were notified of the date and invited to attend. Dickerson told members of the board that on December 11 and 14, representatives from GWCH would be going to two other facilities to see the Cerner product in live use. They will also have the opportunity to ask questions at that time. A preliminary quote for the program was received, with the estimated monthly cost being shared at $32,000 for the first 108 months. This 108-month term will include payment of licensing fees. After this has been paid, the monthly cost would drop to $23,174 per month. If GWCH transitions to the product, an implementation fee will also be assessed. Dickerson reported that through their current provider, Athena, the monthly cost is approximately $28,000 to $40,000, varying based on volume. She noted that Cerner does not change based on volume and will remain the same from month to month. Dickerson explained that the current system is not fully integrated as it was made for clinics and was not well adapted for hospitals. Members of the board were notified that if GWCH should proceed, it would take approximately a year to fully transition. As questions were posed in regards to impact on staff, it was noted that the current program is creating extra work and it will be “painful” as staff go through the switch, but this will be short lived until this is completed. It was explained that patients would be re-registered within the new system and previous medical records and data will still be accessible. Hope that there would be a smooth transition, as GWCH would take over billing, was expressed. If demonstrations go well, it is anticipated that board approval will be sought to move forward with the change.
Dickerson discussed the need for additional parking for rehab. She requested funds from the Board’s account, noting an increase in the number of people being seen for services and the lack of parking. Dickerson shared that she was wanting to dig out and pour concrete to create roughly 8 additional spaces. A bid for the amount of $26,200 was received from Ramsey Concrete. Board members approved to proceed.
Dickerson sought approval for the provision of a monetary Christmas gift to staff members, in the amount of $12,250 – $100 for full time staff and $50 for part-time. A motion and second were made and the item was approved with no opposition voiced.
Discussion was held with support voiced from members of the board, for looking into holding a special payroll to reduce deductions from the monetary gifts given.
The second payment requestforTranepertaining to the ongoing HVAC project was presented for the amount of $237,500, in keeping with the payment schedule. Dickerson noted during discussion that a 5% monthly contingency is held back by GWCH until the project has been completed. Members approved the bill for payment.
An executive session for the duration of 10-minutes for discussion of risk management quality report was held. Following the session, the plan was reviewed and with no questions, approved.
Figures for revenue and expenses as well as cash flows were reviewed with brief discussion. With positive remarks on standings, members of the board approved financials.
In a brief Medical Staff report, Director of Nursing Becky Randall shared that they had met November 21. Presenter was Crosswinds, who discussed available and upcoming services. The Risk Management Plan was presented and approved by medical staff. They approved one appointment and re-appointments and quarterly reports were completed.
Appointment of Mathew Ridder, APRN, Allied Health was approved.
Re-appointment of Joe R. Hutchison, MD, Active Family Practice; Mark Basham, MD, Active Family Practice and Michael Morrow, DO, Radiology were approved.
Dickerson told board members that Ritter works with a staffing companying offered through a Physician Assistant with experience working at GWCH, Eric Flores. She noted that the facility would be utilizing this resource to fill in staffing gaps.
Dickerson shared that a revised motion was needed to amend the wording in regards to the QI and Quality Assurance Plan Improvement (QAPI) plan for Home Health. She noted that this was previously approved in September with an error in the wording. Following, the Quality Plan for Home Health was again approved.
Approval was received for the consent agenda. This included the following items: Minutes of the October 26 meeting, October Treasurer’s report, Payroll/benefits in the amount of $778,555.65 and accounts payable in the amount of $996,295.26.
When questions were posed in regards to the incoming care facility (formerly Vintage Park), Dickerson told board members that renovation work is being completed and owners are hoping to open within the first quarter of 2024.
The next regular meeting of the GWCH Board of Trustees will be held Thursday, January 25 at 5:30 p.m.
