The Murray County Medical Center Board met on December 22, 2021. CFO Robyn Van Heuvelen presented the statistics for the month of November. Total income was $1,446,962 with expenses shown as $1,271,651. Covid program funds increased the income to $2,846,052. Payments totaling $476,589 have been made in 2021 on the long -term debt leaving a balance of $2,288,866.
Patients admitted to hospital care declined to 16 compared to the 25 of last year with Covid patients making the difference. Swing bed numbers remain strong with 12 over last year and 75 days over last year. Surgery numbers have increased by 54 from those of 2020. Emergency room and ambulance runs along with all screening services have shown strong increases as well.
CEO Luke Schryvers presented his report listing the various staff openings. Applicants have been interviewed for the Human Resources position. Discussions are underway that may provide telehealth mental health services through the clinic. These would augment services provided by Western Mental Health within the facility. American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds were received in the amount of $380,000 as well as $42,000 in Provider Relief Funds. Two bids were received for the Surgery HVAC project. Bisbee Plumbing was awarded the contract at $124,975. Grant funds in the amount of $95,000 will be used towards the cost. A grant has been submitted for the replacement of the Omnicell pharmacy dispensing machines. Effective January 1 the facility will need to provide notice and consent for certain out of network services, uninsured/ self-pay good faith estimates and new patient notification of rights. Covid testing continues with 79 new cases in November. There is a screening process for Monoclonal treatment to determine eligibility for the procedure. Inquiries have been received from all over the state from patients seeking the treatment.
Nursing reports that they have been busy with inpatients and a significant increase in outpatient numbers. Wound care patients have been steadily increasing and the ER has been busy with a wide variety of needs. Respiratory Care hours will be decreased with the retirement of Joy Owens. A student will be available to help four days a month.
Sanford representative Dale Gillogly congratulated Luke Schryvers on completing his first year as CEO of MCMC. He discussed the problem of workforce retention and the need to reduce hours of service due to lack of staff. The trend line for this season’s flu season is the worst in a long time and the vaccine doesn’t seem to cover the type of flu.
Board member Bill Wassenaar reported on his first meeting with the Sanford Health Network Board. The increased cost of locums was discussed as those costs have increased considerably. Capital investors who purchased the employment companies are reaping the benefit of those increases. Recruitment of new employees was also a topic of discussion.
