HSC Memorial Hospital Board updates policies

HealthTech Management Services project manager, Neil Todhunter, started the monthly hospital board meeting held Tuesday, June 30, with an overview of the company and what they can do for the Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital (HSCMH).  Todhunter reviewed the roles and expertise of his staff and then covered how these individuals will work directly with HSCMH to reduce expenses in 2016.  

Board chairman Dr. Bill Williams discussed his experience at a recent conference that board members himself, Valarie Bartholomew, and Robin Roling had attended last April in Tucson, Arizona. Williams found the conference worthwhile and encouraged other board members to attend in the future. He described this conference’s over-arching theme to be accountability and quality. Attending board members discussed their experiences and key highlights from the conference.

CEO Roling reviewed the updated Pharmacy Compliance Policy and Surgical Services Policy. The pharmacy policy added language that limits pharmaceutical vendors from marketing to hospital staff. The motion to approve the updated pharmacy policy was approved. The surgical policy changes were in reference to the Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) position at HSCMH. The policy sets guidelines for current and future RNFA’s and keeps the hospital in compliance. It does not require that HSCMH employ an RNFA; however, as these skilled professionals are highly sought after, Roling felt it was fortunate that the hospital already had one in employment. The motion to approve the updated surgical policy was approved.

Marketing Director John Gibbel reviewed progress for services for HSCMH including the Swing Bed Brochure, which is still in progress. He noted that doctor photos are already displayed in the hallway and new room pictures with cleanable metal backing are up as well. In July, the Marlin Screen will be replaced with a TV in the lobby. HCAHPS, surveys for eligible patients, are in the completion phase.

Financial updates were reviewed by CFO Shelly Larson, who announced that the month of May exceeded the board’s financial goals. She brought forth administration’s recommendation to renew HSCMH’s $1.2 million line of credit with the Bank of Thermopolis and the business office director search contingency contract ratification with HealthTech Management. Motions to approve the line of credit renewal and contract ratification were approved.

The previously discussed dress code policy was suggested to leave as is. Human Resources Director Patti Jeunehomme described the director’s position in regards to the dress code as positive and expects that the current dress code will be more regularly enforced. The motion to approve the current dress code policy was approved.

Roling began discussion of growth opportunities for the hospital. She first reviewed changes to the HSCMH Strategic plan which details hospital values, goals, and objectives for the next three years. The motion to approve the updated strategic plan was approved. Next, Roling proposed changes to the organization chart with the creation of a Chief Clinical Officer (CCO). This position will replace the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) and streamline communication between nurses and pharmacy staff. The motion to approve the updated organization chart was approved. Lastly, Roling discussed the nursing standards and practice consultant contract with Health Tech which will bring additional focus on point of care delivery to the hospital staff, help develop policies and procedures, and build knowledge and skill set for staff. Health Tech plans to send a consultant to review the current situation and develop a job description for a future position to maintain this role in the hospital. The motion to approve the contract with Health Tech was approved.

Updates regarding the MRI room were discussed. The floor has been evaluated and passed the load bearing and vibration tests. Current shielding for the MRI needs to be evaluated. Roling expressed she was very hopeful that the current space could continue to be used for MRI use, but added that administration was currently looking at updates pricing.

Williams discussed an evaluation tool available with Health Tech that may be helpful for staff and board members. He expressed his opinion that evaluations could be extremely helpful. A comment from a speaker at the Tucson conference stuck with him: “If you’re not doing self evaluations, you should be.” Discussion will be continued at the July meeting.