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Brown County Hospital – Board of Trustees Meeting
Brown County Hospital – Board of Trustees Meeting
Ainsworth Conference Center Meeting Room
Monday, April 14, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

The Brown County Hospital Board of Trustees met on Monday, April 14, 2008.   Chairperson – Mike Kreycik called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  Other board members in attendance were Marla Ritter, Judy Densberger, John Gross and Leanne Maxwell. Also attending were Neil Hilton – Administrator, and Lisa Fischer – Recording Secretary.

CONSENT AGENDA

Consent agenda items were submitted for the Board’s review, including minutes of the previous regular meeting, payment of current bills, medical staff reports and credentials, QA reports, patient census statistics, financial reports, as well as Department Manager and routine reports.  Discussion took place regarding several key items from the income statement and balance sheet at the 9-month point in the Fiscal Year 2008.  BCH total net revenue for FY08 at $2,932,238 with total expenses of $2,941,737.  Neil also reviewed details of a cash flow summary and analysis he had prepared for review with the County Commissioners at their meeting the week prior.  This analysis included tracking of both the Hospital cash position, with current cash on hand $515,615 and status of remaining bond funds held with the County Treasurer of $1,967,197 all in consideration of routine BCH operational requirements and the projected balance of budget remaining for the building project. 

Key patient statistics for the 9-month period through March include: 183 inpatient admissions, 1,345 total patient days, and exactly 100 surgical procedures, and 500 emergency room visits.  Mike Kreycik made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. John Gross seconded.  Roll call vote:  John Gross – Aye.  Leanne Maxwell – Aye.  Mike Kreycik – Aye.  Marla Ritter – Aye. Judy Densberger – Aye.  Motion carried.

PUBLIC INPUT

No specific public input at this time. 

OLD BUSINESS

With a first phase of final inspection of the new addition having taken place on March 31, Neil reviewed with the group that over the past 2-weeks several departments have been able to effectively begin relocating into their respective new areas.  Included in this initial phase of relocation has involved the business office, surgical department, and central supply.  The physical therapy department and laboratory have initiated their moves as well and will likely be completed by the end of this week.  Neil commended the great work in each of these departments for their diligence and efforts in accomplishing these moves in a very focused and timely manner.  Sampson Construction has some final inspection related work that is being completed, along with some final exterior work and clean up to be accomplished around the front entrance.  It is anticipated that the new front entrance will be available for full access no later than Monday, April 28^th, as confirmed schedule is in place for first procedures to be conducted in the new surgical department on that date. 

Doug Hauze, with Prochaska & Associates, and Wayne Gallaway and Braden Kohtz, representatives of Sampson Construction, were in attendance to review and update progress on the building project.  Items were reviewed from the regular project progress meeting that was held on-site at the Hospital earlier in the afternoon, with Mike Kreycik participating in that session.  Board Member Marla Ritter had also made a site visit earlier in the day.  Mr. Hauze reported that Sampson is currently working on punch list items and fully expects that all items will be completed by April 28^th.  He presented and reviewed information regarding a change order/additional scope of work in the dietary area that will provide effective utilization of space to be gained adjacent to the existing kitchen area.  Judy Densberger made a motion to approve proceeding with the proposed change order in the dietary department area.   Marla Ritter seconded.  Roll call vote:  John Gross – Aye.  Leanne Maxwell – Aye.  Mike Kreycik – Aye.  Marla Ritter – Aye. Judy Densberger – Aye.  Motion carried.

Wayne Gallaway noted that Sampson Construction has received the specs from Prochaska and are currently pricing the patient room renovation phase of work.  He fully anticipates that they will have budget figures finalized within 2-weeks, will forward when complete, then to be reviewed at May 12 Board Meeting.  Gallaway also brought to the Board’s attention that the original project time line allowed for owner occupancy of the new building to take place April 2-18, which is right on schedule.  He noted that everyone involved should be commended for keeping on target with the schedule and budget.

Discussion took place regarding the condition of Zero & Harrington streets in front of the hospital.  It was noted that Neil, John Gross, and Roland Paddock had attended the City Council meeting the week prior for discussion.  Several options were discussed, but no full decision made at this time.  As follow-up, City Council members are scheduled on the County Commissioners meeting agenda tomorrow to discuss this issue further.  Neil, John, and Judy Densberger plan to attend as well.

Neil noted that he is currently gathering information from several area businesses for bids and proposals for an underground sprinkler system on the Hospital grounds.  Brief discussion was held on plans for final grading, seeding, and landscaping, with some portions of this work being included under the construction project budget and other elements at the Hospital’s discretion.

Sampson Construction payment application for work completed in March was provided for the Board’s review, as had been presented and approved for payment by the County Commissioners.

A copy of the Summary of Terms and Conditions from M&I Equipment Finance was presented for the Board’s review, as had also been conducted by Neil with the County Commissioners the week prior. 

Dr. Campbell and Neil shared with the Board some recent efforts in physician recruitment, including resume and information recently received on a physician from Canada that has expressed potential interest.  Dr. Campbell is following up with this prospect.  Dr. Campbell reported that he has also recently circulated letters to 2^nd year family practice residents at UNMC.  He also noted that he has made arrangements to have Carol Shackleton, MD and David Ensz, MD provide a run of coverage for him in late June and first week of July.  Neil and Dr. Campbell will continue to keep the Board informed of any new developments in recruitment.

NEW BUSINESS

No other specific new items of business were presented at this time.

There being no further discussion the meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Judy Densberger                       Lisa Fischer 
Secretary                                  Recording Secretary

National Home Care Month - November 2006

Brown County Hospital Home Health joins Home Care providers across the nation in celebrating National Home Care Month. 

The hospital-based agency began operation in February 1997, providing care to residents of Brown, Rock, Keya Paha, and western Holt counties.  Services available include skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational and speech therapy.

Some examples of skilled nursing services include wound care, teaching and training activities such as teaching about medications, insulin injections, using special equipment such as home oxygen or breathing treatment machines; caring for catheters and colostomies; instruction about nutrition and special diets.  Skilled nursing is also utilized for observation and assessment of a patient’s condition in the home when the specialized skills of a medical professional are needed.  The physician might order this type of assessment after a hospitalization for pneumonia or surgery, for example, to watch for signs of infection or complications.

Some examples of physical therapy services include therapeutic exercises; gait, transfer, balance, and prosthetic training, instruction and equipment use, home modification evaluation, and development of written home exercise program.

A physician must order all services.  The agency staff in collaboration with the physician, patient, family, and other caregivers then develops an individualized plan of care.

Brown County Hospital is proud to offer home care as part of its commitment to provide comprehensive health care to the community. 

Brown County Hospital Home Health is Medicare and Medicaid certified and is a member of the Nebraska Association of Home and Community Health Agencies.

For more information contact Brown County Hospital Home Health at 402-387-2016.

Food Nutrition Service Week:  October 2 - 8, 2006

We take pride in what we do.  All that we serves carefully prepared and seasoned just right before it is shared.   Each meal is nutritionally balanced by qualified dietary personnel. 

From the PR Committee

The Brown County Hospital PR Committee plans events for Hospital Week, Nurse's Week, National Doctor's Day, National Volunteer Week and also they host a Health Fair.

The Brown County Hospital and Brown County Clinic employees held a luncheon and a fashion show for the Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers on April 21, 2005 during the week of National Volunteer Week in appreciation for all they do for the hospital through the Brown County Hospital Thrift Shop. The models wore dresses showing the latest fashions of a plunging neckline, pin stripes, spaghetti neckline, turtle neck, peddle pushers, halter top, cap sleeves accented with Bobby Socks, bib overalls and a duster.

Duster Model                                                Luncheon Attendee's               
           
Pictures courtesy of Betty Shelton                    

The Brown County Hospital Booster's have raised monies for several items for the hospital and clinic. They have hosted garage sales, bake sales, cookie sheet sales, and the proceeds from the candy machine to help with the purchase of equipment. They also sold clothing apparel with the hospital logo on it. Just recently they purchased a new candy machine. The proceeds also helps to provide 2-$250.00 scholarships to seniors in the surrounding three counties who will be pursuing a career in the healthcare field.

Mary Bejot – NHA 2007 “Caring Kind” Recipient

Mary began her career with Brown County Hospital in the Fall of 1993 and over the course of 14 years, she has served the facility with a wonderful commitment to her work and excellence in everything she does.  Mary’s primary duties in ultrasound and respiratory therapy are always accomplished in a very consistent and caring manner, as noted by one of her colleagues - “She is always very sweet and considerate to all of her patients and co-workers”.

Mary also displays a keen sense for offering a hand and assisting in many areas of the hospital, which has called her to duties in Nuclear Medicine, Sleep Studies, overseeing our LifeLine program and a variety of other initiatives.  She willingly volunteers her time and talents for numerous hospital and community endeavors and as another co-worker notes “Mary’s Christian principles is manifest in her work attitude and we see that each and every day in her staff and patient interactions”.  For all these well grounded reasons, personally and professionally, Mary is clearly an excellent representative of BCH and very deserving of this year’s NHA “Caring Kind Award”.