News – Monday, November 25th 2024

The City of Salem is excited to share updates on the Downtown Sidewalk Project as the first half-block nears completion. While the project will be fully finalized in early spring with the installation of new light poles and fixtures as well as street and parking area paint striping, the current progress already reflects a bold vision for a safer, more welcoming downtown featuring new curb extensions, or “bump-outs,” which are a key feature of the project. These extensions will help slow down traffic by narrowing traffic lanes, provide ADA Compliance with wider curb spaces, provide parking protection offering additional visual cues to drivers and protecting cars from potential impact. The design includes textured pavers and delineated zones for planters, trash receptacles, and possible benches which will come after this project are completed. The wider sidewalks allow for easier movement, accommodating pedestrian gatherings and events, while providing space for future amenities. Most of the parking spaces have been maintained and temporary street lighting will be installed to maintain visibility and safety in the area. As we adapt to these changes, the city encourages drivers to familiarize themselves with the new layout. With safety, aesthetics, and accessibility at its core, this initiative is an investment in our community’s future city looking forward to unveiling the finished design in early 2025. 

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held their regular meeting Thursday evening at 7:00 in the Hospital Library. Before the start of the meeting, Board Chairman, Dr. Leigh Ann Price announced that Hospital CEO Brooke Bollman was awarded the 2024 Missouri Rural Health Champion Award. The Board then went on to approve the agenda as well as the minutes from the October 29th and November 19th meetings. During the CEO Report, Ms. Bollman stated they are continuing to work on the cost report analysis, including Medicare bad debt, reallocations, and unclaimed expenses. They also continue to work on training and compliance, inpatient census, and wrapping up their due diligence regarding their affiliation with Phelps Health. During the operations report, it was noted that inpatient and outpatient admissions, emergency room visits, and ambulance runs have gone up slightly in the month of October, while radiology procedures and rehabilitation treatments have gone down. Total operating revenue for October was $2.9 million. Salaries and payroll taxes continue to decrease; however, health insurance continues to increase. Total operating expenses were $2.3 million in October resulting in a profit of $769,000. However, Bollman clarified that all revenue goes into accounts payable, which is now down to $1.2 million. The hospital saw a net 340B revenue of $87,000 in October, and they are currently operating at 21 days cash on hand. There are currently six employment openings for LPNs, RNs, and PRN RNs. Ambulance re-licensure is due in December and will be a virtual training this year. During the human resources report, it was noted that there has been one new hire, and three employees who left in October. The hospital continues to work on enhancing the patient experience by streamlining registration and providing ongoing customer service training. There were a total of 43 reported incidents in October, including 19 administrative/no harm medication events and 11 patient falls in Long Term Care, Acute Care, and outpatients. The ToRCH Grant applications are due December 2nd, and funding announcements will be made January 6, 2025. During the Chief of Staff report, the Board approved new privileges for three doctors in Pathology and Teleradiology, and approved amendments to the bylaws. The Board also approved the High Alert Medication Policy and Sepsis Protocol Policy. The next board meeting will be held on Monday evening, December 23rd at 7:00 in the Doctors’ Library.