Bradley County Medical Center board of directors held its final meeting of the year Thursday at the Brunson Medical Complex, with the return of Chairman Freddie Mobley after several months absence following extensive surgery.
Mobley thanked Vice Chairman Joe Don Greenwood for filling in during his absence.
Board member Lathan Hairston joined the meeting by phone with Mobley, Greenwood, Earnest Callum and Gale Bigham present, joined by Chief of Staff Dr. Joe Wharton later in the meeting.
CEO Leslie Huitt reported that county legislative auditors had noted a discrepancy between the county lease agreement and the sales tax code as to recruitment expenses paid to Dr. Jenifer Kowalik, who left the hospital in October. A new agreement is being finalized.
Controller Matt Pace said most volumes were down in November except for surgeries and obstetrics. He said there was $3.8 million in gross patient revenue for the month. Overall, there was a $375,000 loss.
“We’ve got to do something to cut expenses,” Mobley said.
“The more you cut expenses, you’re going to lose reimbursement,” Huitt explained. “Year to date, we’re doing considerably well on cash.”
She said the spending includes a USDA grant that was received for equipment. Accounts receivable increased due to increased volumes in certain months.
Huitt said she had been working on the financial services audit. She is also working on the cost report for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. Another USDA grant will be sought for roof replacement.
Chief Nursing Officer Jamie Wolfe said COVID-19 patients had gone down from high occurrence to substantial. Flu cases remain high and have affected some staff members. New employees are being trained in use of swing beds. All nursing staff are being trained in the medical surgery department.
Wolfe said the hospital is still having issues with transferring patients out, mostly due to staffing shortages in other hospitals.
“I hear a lot of positive comments on the ER,” Mobley said.
Vice President of Support Services Marilyn Johnson said the USDA grant application for the roof was submitted two weeks ago to the Secretary of State. She is training staff on new policies and uploading new policies to a new policy management program, with the assistance of Public Relations Director Dennen Cuthbertson.
Compliance and Privacy Officer Leanna Williams said she was working with the marketing committee to develop a theme to be used in marketing.
Maintenance Director Tim Saunders said a pipe burst recently at KidsFirst, causing up to 2 feet of water to saturate the building in some places. Carpeting and some sheetrock was removed. An insurance adjuster will come Friday to inspect the building. Crews are still working to dry out the building which will be followed by steam cleaning.
“I’m hoping for a fast turnaround but it depends on materials,” he said.
Huitt said staff and children were to return Jan. 2 and some options are being examined for alternate locations.
A motion was approved to purchase a C-Arm for $79,000 from county sales tax funds.
