Local News – Wednesday, December 12th, 2018

The Salem Memorial District Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday at noon in the Hospital Library. In the summary of operations for the month of November, the hospital had 87 inpatient admissions with 315 inpatient census days. Patients per day in Acute Care came in at 10.5 in November, down from the 11.5 in October. The hospital showed a loss from operations of $32,494 and expenses over revenues after taxes of $39,987. Cash increased for the month by $102,513, and the days in net account receivables dropped to 60 from 61 days last month. During the month, there were 663 emergency room visits to go with 182 ambulance runs with 120 patients being transported, 19 surgery cases, 1,529 outpatient registrations, 315 home health visits, 7,625 lab tests, 1,105 radiological procedures and 676 rehab treatments. Chief of Nursing Debbie Hines gave the updated report on the Quality Improvement Program where the hospital is focusing on two areas and said the transition of care continues to gradually improve with the physician to physician communication the biggest challenge. The Hospital Auxiliary met and had 14 members present at their “bring a friend” lunch. Their next meeting will be February 5th at noon at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Hospital COO Chris Strickland said the hospital foundation had a resignation from their board of Leon Kreisler, but have four new board members that include S.N. Ball, Andrew Curley, Chris Holliday and Andrew Wynn. He said about half of the tables to the “Dancing with the Salem Stars” have been sold and he would be sending out mailers and e-mails to sponsors for the golf tournament to be held in June. Strickland also announced a new fundraiser that will be held August 3rd, 2019 at the Commons that will be the 1st Annual SMDH Foundation Benefit Concert and Wing Off. Strickland went on to report that the hospital had a large presence at the Heroes Marathon in November that included sports medicine, an aid station, refreshments station and ambulance. The hospital float in the Salem Chamber of Commerce parade took 1st place in the Commercial division. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas said that A.J. Seay has resigned his position on the board as he has moved from his district. He said election filing has begun for District 6 for the a total of six years for the position currently occupied by George Gruendel, and also for District 2 for two years for the unexpired term of A.J. Seay. The board approved a resolution in support of the Time Critical Diagnosis Designation for the Salem Memorial District Hospital and approved the board meeting dates for 2019. The board approved the budgeted purchase of a blanket and towel warmer for the Long-Term Care from Steris Corp. for $7,810, and approved the budgeted purchase of a Blood Bank Incubator and Workstation for the Laboratory for $4,999 from Ortho Clinical Diagnostics. The board tabled a decision on the purchase of a new Bi-Pap Machine for Cardio-Pulmonary until they can meet with the medical staff and see if they want to offer non-invasive and invasive treatments or just stay with the non-invasive treatments. The board then went into closed session.

The Salem Police Department has released more reports for December 3rd and 4th. The night of December 3rd at approximately 11:52, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 21-year old female of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $26.91. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Then on Tuesday morning, November 4th at about 11:58, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1800 bock of South Oak in reference to property damage. The investigation of the report revealed a 21- year-old male of Salem had cut two tires on a white 2005 Toyota passenger vehicle valued at $400. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Current River State Park invites you to celebrate a Country Christmas from 11:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon this Saturday. Come make nature-inspired decorations and gifts. Enjoy hot chocolate and bake some cookies. Current River State Park is located on Hwy 19 approximately 23 miles south of Salem and approximately 15 miles north of Eminence. For more information about the event, call Connie Weber at 573-751-1224.