The Murray County Medical Center Board of Directors met on June 29th in the regular session. Financial reports showed a net income of $258,000 for the month of May with an year to date total of $393,000. Due to ongoing updates to the EPIC system other reports presented at these meetings were not available.
Medical Director Dr. Steve Snow reported the dropping of the requirements to wear masks within the facility with the exceptions of those with respiratory symptoms and unvaccinated visitors. Home testing kits for COVID are currently available at no cost in abundant supply. A new medical provider continues to be sought with no current actively interested individuals. A timeline of 2022-23 is the earliest possibility.
The board acted to purchase an OmniCell pharmacy dispenser at a cost of $352,000. This will enable administration to apply for an USDA grant for 55% of the cost.
CEO Luke Schryvers reported that an opportunity to join the MN Rural Hospital Flexibility Program is being explored. The program provides training, technical assistance and market analysis with the goal of improving quality of patient care and optimizing swing bed utilization for improved financial performance. Only ten critical access hospitals will be offered the program.
Another program offered by the Center for Optimizing Rural Health for the Vulnerable Rural Hospital Assistance Program has the goal of assisting hospitals and their communities in addressing economic challenges, understanding community needs and resources and help to find ways to ensure hospitals and communities can keep needed care locally. Thirty critical access hospitals are chosen each year for participation.
MCMC will offer podiatry services by Dr. Mahoney one day each month beginning August 2nd.
The operating room HVAC project has been completed. The staff was commended for the preparations and rescheduling of procedures.
The Emergency Department has been busy with an influx of patients from the area campgrounds. A new part time provider is being sought to allow a more flexible schedule for the four current providers.
