Highs, lows of 2006 discussed at annual hospital district meeting years ago
Staff reporter
Following the election May 22 of Jerry Dieter and re-election of Martin Tice as board trustees of Marion County Hospital District #1, constituents heard about the condition of St. Luke Hospital, Living Center, and Home Health Care.
Dieter was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Peggy Blackman. Linda Allison of Florence also filed for one of the two seats.
Chief financial officer Hilary Dolbee emphasized the importance of continued tax support because the hospital does not generate sufficient revenue to operate. She added the hospital was fortunate to receive a $500,000 donation in 2004 which helped during the crucial transition period when Banner Health Systems discontinued managing the hospital. With the pains of change, Dolbee pointed out the benefits of taking charge of the day-to-day operations.
"We are much better at collecting our money than Banner was," she said.
Cash on hand has improved to the point the hospital could operate for 95 days without any incoming cash flow.
Jeremy Armstrong, chief executive officer, reported a steady decline in acute care and swing bed admission. During 2006, the hospital experienced a 28 percent decrease in admissions. Outpatient registrations, including the emergency room, also saw a decrease of 13 percent, and surgeries and procedures decreased by 12 percent.
"This is happening all over the country," Armstrong said. He pointed out that increased technology has required less inpatient care.
The total average daily census in 2005 was four patients and three patients in 2006.
The average length of stay also has decreased from 3.5 days in 2004 to 2.8 days in 2006.
"It doesn't take patients as long to recover because of new technology," Armstrong said.
Although there were decreases in the other areas such as the emergency room, officials anticipate an increase in mammogram tests and nuclear medicine usage.
There was a 10 percent drop from 2005 to 2006 in home care visits. That department is taking steps to better market its services, Armstrong said.
Resident days at the living center were maintained at 97 percent which is well above the state average of 84 percent.
Net operating income that does not include tax funds, rent revenue, grants, and donations, is still negative. However, the net operating income has increased by $73,683 or 11 percent from 2005.
New doctors, equipment, services
Family physician Dr. Linda Skiles will begin her practice in July at the hospital. Advanced registered nurse practitioner Nita Bittle will practice with Skiles in the hospital clinic.
Surgeon Dr. Clayton Fetsch replaced Dr. Stephen Cranston and urologist Dr. Wilmar Rodriguez was replaced with Dr. John Kosko.
Advanced registered nurse practitioner Ruth Reed left Marion Family Physicians. ARNP Karen Wheeler now is practicing at the clinic.
Dr. Kim Hall of Marion Family Physicians, will leave the practice June 1.
Since obstetric services were discontinued at the hospital, pre-natal OB care was added.
In 2006, new diagnostic equipment was added to the hospital's arsenal of equipment.
A CT (computerized tomography) scanner, nuclear medicine machine, C-arm, and anesthesia machine were purchased during 2006. The hospital's laboratory also expanded services by being able to do more in-house testing.
Since the new technology has been implemented, an increase in referrals has been noted, particularly from Hillsboro and Wichita.
The physical therapy department has expanded its hours and home health care now offers mastectomy products.
Future plans
The district will focus on market share growth (attracting more patients), recruit additional providers, continue to add and expand services, and inpatient satisfaction.
Patients are encouraged to complete surveys after receiving services to make hospital personnel aware of positives and negatives.
Board chairman Judy Reno encouraged constituents to attend monthly board meetings at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month.
