Policies, plans and reports highlighted the Newman Regional Health Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday.
Chief Quality Officer Cathy Pimple saw many plans and policies approved as part of the consent agenda. She also reported on quality reporting measures, and she says last year was the best-performing year for the hospital from a quality standpoint.
Also on the consent agenda, board members formally dissolved Newman Medical Partners LLC — in this case, the corporation formed to handle operations for the out-of-town clinics in Madison and Osage City that were closed in 2014. The dissolution has no bearing on the Emporia office.
Separately, board members also approved nearly $250,000 in roof replacements or repairs. The School of Nursing roof will be replaced next year, while five other areas of the hospital and Medical Office Building will be renovated between 2021 and 2023.
Chief Financial Officer Holly French reported a net loss for January, although it’s smaller than expected at $341,000 compared to the budgeted loss of $516,000. Inpatient, outpatient and other patient revenues were all lower than expected, but operating expenses were also under budget. Chief Executive Officer Bob Wright says February traffic numbers for the emergency department, ExpressCare, inpatient rehab and the Clinical Decision Unit are all above projections, so he expects better financial numbers at the March board meeting.