Local News – Thursday, March 21st, 2024
The Salem Memorial Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the hospital library. In the Administrator’s Report, Interim CEO Jason Edwards reported that Amber Hogan has been hired as the new Emergency Medical Service Director, and Chantel Garrison has been hired as the TorRCH program manager. Lisa Delany will be retiring at the end of March and Misty Atchley has been hired to replace her. The board received the official 2023 audit report from FORVIS. Edwards said a “meet and greet” for the Delta Project is tentatively set for April 23rd and the 9th annual Hospital Foundation Golf Tournament will be held June 9th. In the summary of operations for February, Chief Financial Officer Doug Hoban reported the hospital had a loss from operations of $290,358 with an excess of expenses over revenues of $160,298. The hospital showed an increase in cash of $21,120 which is the third straight month that cash on hand has increased. Hoban reported hospital admissions in February were 86 which included eight Swingbed and 30 observation admissions with a total of 301 patient census days. In February, there were 1,366 Outpatient Registrations, 2,017 Cardiopulmonary Procedures, 6,222 Lab Tests, 1,195 Radiology Procedures, 628 Rehabilitation Treatments and 39 Surgical Procedures. There were 607 Emergency Room visits with 65 patients being admitted. A total of 188 ambulance runs were made with 134 patients being transported. Hoban said days cash on hand at the end of February was 23. The clinic showed a net loss of $23,884 for the month, but has showed a $77,389 profit for the fiscal year The 340B plan showed revenues over expenses of $47,007 and the hospital converted three CDs worth $400,000 with an interest rate of .07% to 5.05% for nine months. Chief Nursing Officer Ashley Owen said there still is a need for five full time night time nurses. She said the hospital was represented at the ECC Rolla Career Fair for RN, LPN, Radiology Techs and Surgery Tech students. The hospital is also in the early stages of planning and implementing the Annual Nursing Skills Lab. In Human Resources, the hospital hired three new people in February and six employees left. In the Chief of Staff’s report, the doctors approved the Medical Staff Bylaws with no changes before they approved updated Critical Lab values. Administrator Edwards said the state funding the hospital expected to receive has been delayed again, this time by a Department of Health glitch. They have contacted Representative Copeland for his assistance in getting the matter straightened out. A tentative strategic planning update has been scheduled for May 10th with department leaders, med staff, administration and board members. The board approved the bid from Commercial Bus and Vehicle, LLC for an old hospital ambulance for $2,013. The board then went into closed session.
An accident occurred in Dent County Wednesday morning at 9:40 on Highway 68 and Route U. According to the highway patrol report, an eastbound 2017 Freightliner, operated by 57-year-old Mohamed Gelle of Minneapolis, Minnesota, turned left into the path of a westbound 2005 Dodge Dakota driven by 43-year-old Vada Calkins of Salem. Calkins suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Salem Memorial Hospital. The report stated that both drivers were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The Freightliner sustained moderate damage and was driven from the scene.
A “Hoppy” Easter Paint Party will be held Friday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 at the Creative Arts Center at 204 South Main. Come and paint your very own Easter bunny!! This paint party is perfect for kids and adults alike! Kids under 5 must have an adult present! The cost is $10 for children and $20 for adults and that includes all the supplies. A minimum of six people need to register for the party to be held and it will be limited to 25 people. Register online at the SACBA website. Under programs, find the Creative Arts Center, and registrations are on a first come, first served basis.