Headhunters could hit pay dirt for recruiting doctor
Staff reporter
Taking a more pro-active approach to recruiting a family physician, the board of directors of Marion County Hospital District #1 approved a policy Nov. 28, that could pay $5,000 to anyone who helps locate a viable candidate.
The money only would be paid when the candidate is successfully hired and begins to practice with Marion Family Physicians.
Chief executive director Jeremy Armstrong said this was a common practice and could speed up the process of finding the right doctor.
"We're playing a numbers game," Armstrong told the board. "We have to go through a certain number of resumes to find the right one."
Anyone can receive the windfall except those directly connected with the hiring of the doctor which includes Armstrong and chief financial officer Hillary Dolbee.
The district has been recruiting — without success — a third physician for several years. With constituents within the district assisting with the hunt, the board and officials hope the process may be more expedient.
In other business:
— Dolbee reported another favorable month for revenue. This makes the fourth month in a row the district has been in the black. The positive profit margin was attributed to a constant census of five patients per day in the hospital.
— Debbie Craig, director of St. Luke Living Center, said she is continuing to search and negotiate for an appropriate van for transporting residents.
Money to purchase the van was provided by St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary and the Lorraine Hadsell Charitable Trust.
Board member Martin Tice suggested Craig contact Collins Industries of Hutchinson, a passenger van manufacturer.
Dolbee said insurance, with a low deductible, for the district-owned van should not be more than $3,000 per year.
— A proposal was approved with St. Luke Integrated Health Services for continued lease of the building at 921 E. Main.
The therapy services will pay the district $400 per month for 12 months. The board had requested $400 per month for the first six months, and $450 per month for the next six months.
— Physicians approved for recredentialing were radiologist Dr. Fred Neuer, and oncologists Dr. Elshami Elamin and Dr. Chester Stone. Dr. Richard Watson was approved for weekend coverage of the emergency room.
— Armstrong reported he continues to seek an orthopedic surgeon and neurologist.
— St. Luke Hospital is participating with 15 other facilities in a performance improvement initiative. The long-term project is part of a grant program at no cost to the district.
— Armstrong provided an update of the district's strategic plan.
Among the goals was to have a positive profit margin, which the hospital has achieved during the past four months, provide a satisfaction survey for patients and employees, expand physician services by recruiting a third family practitioner and increase outreach physicians, retain 90 percent of staff, and participation with Hillsboro Community Medical Center.
Other goals included an increase in market share (more patients from a broader area), update the hospital's web site, and the planning of a new facility.
Armstrong said a new facility has been discussed but no other plans are being made at this time.
— Dolbee reported the annual audit has been completed with two issues that are being addressed.
The next regular meeting is at 7 p.m. Dec. 19 in the clinic basement.
