News – Monday, January 5th 2026

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held its regular meeting Tuesday evening in the Doctor’s Library at the hospital. The board approved the agenda after revising it to move two items from New Business, the approval of policies and procedures and an ambulance purchase update, to the beginning of the meeting. Following approval of the minutes from previous meetings, the board approved the annual review of the Facilities and Maintenance Manual. The board then discussed options for purchasing a new ambulance and upgrading existing ambulatory vehicles. Hospital Chief Executive Officer Brooke Bollman emphasized that the discussion was preliminary and sought board approval to officially solicit bids. The board approved the request. During the Chief Executive Officer’s report, Bollman highlighted an education facilities tour with Representative John Hewkin, potential changes to the 340B program, the hospital’s audit and cost report, and an upcoming update to the hospital’s price transparency information on its website. She also outlined several upcoming events, including the SMH Health Fair on January 6, the staff and employees’ Winter Ball, and various departmental meetings. For the month of November, the hospital reported increases in inpatient admissions and cardiopulmonary procedures, along with decreases in outpatient registrations and emergency room visits. Ambulance runs remained consistent. Net patient revenue for November totaled approximately $1.7 million, a slight decrease from the previous month, while total operating expenses were approximately $2.2 million, resulting in a monthly loss of about $297,000. The hospital currently has 27 days of cash on hand. Net income from 340B revenue was reported at $110,941, and it was noted that Vandivort Drug is no longer participating in the program. After approving the financials, Bollman informed the board that due to a malfunctioning water valve, water service to the entire hospital campus and outbuildings will be shut off beginning the morning of January 8th at 8:00 to allow for repairs and replacement. Hospital officials anticipate water service will be restored to outbuildings within two hours and to the main hospital building within six hours. Large water totes will be filled and stored indoors in advance to meet washing and janitorial needs. During the Chief Nursing Officer’s report, Amber Hogan stated the hospital is currently seeking two full-time day-shift nurses and paramedics, as well as several day-shift certified nursing assistants. Hogan also reported she has earned her certification as a Rural Health Chief Nursing Officer. Bollman presented the Human Resources report, noting there were no new hires and that five employees had departed. Following the Quality Improvement report presented by Kendra Mobray, the board addressed the remaining items under New Business. The board retroactively approved the emergency purchase of a new induction warmer in the amount of $7,552.24. The warmer is used to keep patient food at safe temperatures during transport. Board member Zach Moser stated that future emergency purchases exceeding the $5,000 threshold outlined in the hospital’s bylaws should be approved through a special meeting that may be conducted virtually. The board then began discussion regarding a potential change in workers’ compensation insurance from a fully funded plan to a self-funded plan. That discussion was continued in executive session as well as to address legal and personnel matters. The next meeting of the Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors is scheduled for January 27 at 7:00 p.m. in the Doctor’s Library and is open to the public.