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Thanks to the generous donations and support from the Bear Lake community, the Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Auxiliary has purchased a new fetal monitor for use in labor and delivery. The equipment is used to monitor the heart rate and condition of the baby in-utero. State-of-the-art technology has replaced the challenging method of stethoscope monitoring used years ago. Patients realize the benefits of the most current monitoring system, which has both external and internal monitoring capabilities. Additionally, an added feature provides for the nurses to connect with the equipment and monitor the progress of the mother and child from outside the birthing room. This allow for privacy to the laboring mother and her family, while still closely monitoring the patient. The fetal monitor is used during the labor and delivery process, as well as for non-stress testing during the late stages of pregnancy and in the incidence of pre-term labor. Micki Sparks, Director for Nursing for BLHM states that "the nurses love the new equipment and thank-you VERY much! It is very much needed." Proceeds of $8000 from the recent Snowball Dance helped in part to fund the $17,000 piece of equipment.
The Auxiliary wishes to thank all members of the community who contributed in making a difference for the newest additions to Bear Lake County.
At the February 23rd meeting of the Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Board it was noted that Mary Bateman, John Tippets and Maxine Matthews will serve in their current capacities as Board Chairman, Board Vice-President and Board Secretary for one year, not three as previously noted. Steve Hill was also recognized as the recipient of the Hospital employee "Above and Beyond" for the month of February. Other nominees were Jennifer Peterson, Melony Maughn, September Hopkin, Megan Green, Carol Sparks and Jared Farmer. The Board feels all are very deserving of the recognition.
Craig Thomas, Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation Director, presented the Board with updated results from the recent Snowball Dance, hosted by the Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. He indicated that there were an estimated 450 in attendance, which was up from last year's attendance. He also noted the new silent auction was well received and brought in $1,000. Overall, the estimated profit was $8,000; all of which will go to the purchase of the new fetal monitor for the Hospital.
Upon the recommendation of the Medical Staff and Credentialing Committee, the Board approved hospital privileges for Alex Moss, PA-C; Dr. David V. Hansen, Radiologist; Justin Lamb, D.O., Radiologist, and Dr Jonathan F. Koehler, Pathologist.
Prior to concluding the meeting, the Board recognized the efforts of the Auxiliary and indicated they did a great job with the Snowball Dance. It was also noted that the Senior Health Fair will take place on Thursday, April 1st.
The Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Board of Directors welcomed new ex-officio member Laurie Harrison at their November meeting. The recent Idaho Hospital Association Convention was discussed and the Hospital is proud to have one of the best Auxiliaries in the state. The Board has a new found appreciation for the fantastic job Judy VanDeren does as Director of Volunteer Services. Leslie Crane was also recognized for doing a remarkable job as the new CFO.
The Board next discussed the development of
the new Hospital billings statements. Work has begun to make
the statements more patient friendly and will hopefully be ready
by the end of the year. The Board was advised that Dr. Campbell
had addressed the Medical Staff regarding completing patient
charts in a timely fashion. In return, the Medical Staff requested
an extension from 10 to 25 days before receiving notice from
the Administrator.
Another item covered was the Board’s concern with medication
errors. The Hospital’s new computerized medical records
is working well in preventing medication errors. While the error
rate at Bear Lake Memorial Hospital is significantly below the
national average, the new CPSI electronic records alerted nurses
to 17 potential medication errors in one month. The Board later
commended the Hospital for the reduced experience modification
(e-mod) rate with Workers Compensation. This reduction will save
the Hospital money.
CFO, Leslie Crane, reported on Financials and Performance. She indicated that for August and September the gross revenue for the Hospital ranged from $2,300,000 to 2,400,000, with the average daily revenue ranging between $67,000 and 68,000. The Hospital’s fiscal year end is December 31st and is on track to make approximately a 4% profit if current trends hold. The Hospital’s goal was 5%.
The Board is pleased that Dr. Jepsen is here and seeing patients. They feel he is going to be a great asset to the Hospital. The Board was informed that Dr. Bray will no longer be coming to the Hospital due to the increased demands of his practice in Pocatello.
The Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation hosted its annual We’re Grateful Banquet on Saturday, October 24th, which was held at the Bear Lake Senior Citizens Center. The event honors the Foundation contributors and the Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Auxiliary volunteers, who donate hundreds of hours of their time. Approximately 80 people were in attendance at the fall themed banquet and a meal of prime rib, catered by the Hospital dietary department, was enjoyed.
The Foundation recognized Kings Variety Store of Montpelier, for its contributions and continued support of the Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and the Bear Lake Valley as a whole, by selecting it as the Business of the Year. Kings’ COO, Todd Taylor, the store manager, Yvonne Radabaugh, and the store’s assistant manager, Dixie Dimick, were in attendance to accept the plague presented to them by Judy VanDeren, Director of Volunteer Services, Rod Jacobson, Hospital Administrator, Linda Arnell, Foundation Chairperson, and Craig Thomas, Foundation Director.
Dean Wigington was recognized posthumously as the Volunteer of the Year. Dean was a Foundation Board member for almost a decade. He was very active on the board and worked tirelessly on the many fundraising campaigns and projects; specifically the health fair, Golf “Fore” Health Tournament and the major raffles. His wife, Claudia, son, Brent, and grandson, Zachary, were present to accept the plague on his behalf, which was presented by Linda Arnell, Foundation Chairperson, Rod Jacobson, Hospital Administrator, and Craig Thomas, Foundation Director. Director, Craig Thomas, presented an overview of the success during 2009 for the Foundation and Hospital.
Through wonderful donors and grants, the Foundation received $295,000 in 2009. This level of giving made it possible for the Foundation to provide funding for the new x-ray machine. Craig also highlighted many of the Hospital’s accomplishments. Heading the list was the recruitment of Dr. Robinson, OB/GYN and Family Practice and Dr. Kerry Jepsen, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon. The Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation would like to thank all of their donors for their continued support and look forward to making 2010 another successful year.
Dr.
Kerry Jepsen, M.D. is a general Orthopedic Surgeon with special
interest in sports medicine and an extensive background in major
trauma. He has recently completed his military service as an
Orthopedic Surgeon at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl,
Germany.
Dr. Jepsen has family ties to Southeastern
Idaho and now lives near his parents in the Mink Creek area with
his wife and 8 children.
He completed his Orthopedics residency in 2001 at Wilford Hall
Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas and received his M.D. degree
from Uniform Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda,
Maryland. Dr. Jepsen's military medical career took him first
to Osan Air Base, Korea, and then to Germany. He came to Bear
Lake Memorial Hospital in October 2009 from Landstuhl, Germany
where he was Chief of Orthopedic Services at Landstuhl Regional
Medical Center. Dr. Jepsen brings a wide range of orthopedic
experience to our valley.
Call 208.847.4421 to make an appointment.
Bear
Lake Memorial Hospital served approximately 865 Valley residents
the morning of Wednesday the 7th during their 3rd annual “Brake
for Breakfast” event. October is Breast Cancer Awareness
Month and the primary objective of this event was to remind the
public of the importance of mammograms. The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention stresses that regular mammograms are the
best tool doctors have to detect breast cancer early. A mammogram
can show early signs of cancer long before you or your doctor
can feel or see changes. When breast cancer is found and treated
early, many women go on to live long and healthy lives.
The Hospital handed out pink grocery bags,
which contained a free breakfast and gifts. Pink carnations and
information packets containing literature on cancer prevention,
heart and stroke detection and prevention and also flu awareness
were given to all who participated in the drive through event.
The event was made possible with assistance from the United Dairymen’s
Council of Idaho, the Western Dairy Association and the Hospital
dietary department, each helping to provide breakfast. Sheri’s
Kountry Bow-K and The Berry Patch provided pink carnations. The
event took approximately 40 Hospital volunteers, including Auxiliary
and Foundation members, doing their part to a make it a great
success. Bear Lake Memorial Hospital wishes to thank all of the
contributors and volunteers for being part of a wonderful education
activity.
Among the Hospital volunteers was the current Miss Bear Lake, Jerrica Matthews, who helped distribute pink grocery bags. This is a cause Jerrica feels strongly about. “My grandma is a 7 year breast cancer survivor and I wanted to be a part of this event to help raise awareness and stress the importance of early detection,” she shared.
In conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness, the Hospital Auxiliary will host the 3rd Annual Ruth K. Andersen Pink Tea. The women’s health awareness luncheon will take place on Monday, October 26th from 12 noon to 1 pm at the Bear Lake Senior Citizens Center. Admission is $5 and tickets can be purchased at the Hospital front desk. For further details, contact Kim Hulme at 847.0949.
At their September meeting, the Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Board of Directors reapproved the privileges of Noall Wolff, MD; Jack Clark, MD and Gary Griffin, CRNA for another two years. Upon the approval, there was a lengthy discussion regarding the timeliness of doctor dictation of patient charts. The Board also approved scholarship funding for Shelly Phelps, to obtain a BSN degree; Megan Green, to obtain a BSN degree; Trecia Sparks, to obtain an HR degree; Misty Hymas, to obtain a BSN degree and Richelle Harris, to obtain a RN degree.
Melissa Smith gave a presentation titled Bear Lake Memorial Hospital "Aims." The presentation detailed administering medication and tracking through the new CPSI computer program. She explained that when a nurse scans the patient ID band and then scans the code on the medication to be given to the patient the computer verifies that the right patient is receiving the correct medication. The Board was shown how the system detects "near misses," alerting nursing staff to potential medication errors. The Board requested that the Incident and QA reports specify any medication errors that are "near misses." After the presentation, the Board had a new appreciation for the time and steps involved in administering medication.
CFO, Leslie Crane, reported on Financials and Performance. She noted that for July and August the gross revenue for the Hospital ranged from $2,300,000 to 2,400,000, with gross accounts receivable ranging between $4,800,000 and $5,000,000. Ms. Crane also informed the Board that ways to make a more patient friendly statement are being investigated and hopes to soon make a better statement for the long term. It was also noted that the Hospital will be offering a 10% discount to patients if their bill is paid within 15 days of the first statement. This notice will be printed on the first statement.
Infection Control was discussed during the Performance Improvement Report. It was noted that expanded surveillance and teaching is being done regarding Hospital infections and the importance of handwashing has been taught. Planning is being done for a possible pandemic of influenza with increased pressure being placed on staff in direct contact with patients to take seasonal influenza vaccinations.
The Board voted unanimously to renew the employment contract of Administrator, Rod Jacobsen, for four years.
The Skilled Nursing Facility will be having
a Country Fair the first week of November. The items sold will
help purchase the Nursing Home residents gifts for the holiday
season. They would gratefully appreciate any donated items, with
the exception of clothing and shoes, to help make this event
a success.
Donations can be dropped off with the Nursing Home's Activity
Department or contact Cindy or Jodi at 847.4443.
Thank you for your support!
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The
Bear Lake Memorial Hospital held its Annual Community Health
Fair on Saturday, September 19th. The event, which took place
on the Bear Lake Memorial Hospital campus, provided free and
reduced cost screenings for over 300 Bear Lake Valley residents.
Estimated savings to the residents who participated is approximately
$764, depending upon the number of screenings they received.
The overall benefit to the community was approximately $135,000.
Participating health care providers for the event were Dr. Noall Wolff, who provided free skin lesion checks; Dr. Trevor Robinson, who provided bone density screenings and Dr. Joseph Podany, who along with Sherri Bunn provided nutrition and health & wellness information for the valley. Bear Lake Home Health, the Hospital Lab, Mental Health and BLMH Risk Manager, RN Karen Podany, also provided valuable services and information for the health fair.
Vendors providing health information and additional services included Dr. Hammond, Dr. Collins, the Idaho Dairy Council, Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC), Idaho DEQ, Enough is Enough, Home Care Medical, Pocatello Cardiology, Portneuf Cancer Center, Senior's Health Insurance Benefits (SHIBA), Stephanie Sharp provided free massage therapy, and Kathy Price provided bone health information. Over 20 Idaho State Nursing and Pharmacy students were in attendance and provided information and services for Operation Diabetes and foot health, as well as other services. The Bear Lake Senior Citizens' Center provided an all you can eat pancake breakfast.
There were also approximately 70 children who participated in the health fair. Youth activities included a Build Your Own First Aid Kit station, glucose testing, blood pressure check, a climbing wall provided by the Army National Guard, an obstacle course, ping pong ball drop and several drawings, which took place at the end of the day. Macey Mattson, Carter Turner and Porter Collins each won $10 and Celeste Harper won the 20" Trek Bike, which was donated in part by Salt Lake City Bike Company.
Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Health Care Librarian, Kim Hulme, chaired the event of behalf of the Hospital with invaluable help from Director of Volunteer Services, Judy VanDeren. Many volunteers from Bear Lake Memorial Hospital, the BLMH Auxiliary, the Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation Board, and volunteers from the Bear Lake Senior Center helped keep the event running smoothly.
Bear Lake Memorial Hospital was pleased to
see so many residents take advantage of the services offered
at the health fair, and would like to thank those who participated
as well as those who volunteered for helping make this such a
successful event.
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The Annual Brake for Breakfast sponsored by The Health Cooperative (THC) and Bear Lake Memorial Hospital, is set for Wednesday, October 7 in regional communities. Thirteen hospitals, all members of The Hospital Cooperative, and Health West Clinics have joined forces to raise breast cancer awareness. Locally, the event will be held: Wednesday, October 7th from 7am to 10 am at the Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Nursing Home Portico on 5th Street.
Brake for Breakfast is a "drive-through" event scheduled early enough so that women on their way to work or dropping kids off at school can participate. Breakfast Junction is the first stop where each woman will receive a breakfast to go. At Information Way she receives important information on breast cancer awareness. Pink Place is where each woman receives a small gift. "It's a quick, easy way to do something nice for yourself" says organizer Kim Hulme." You don't even have to get out of your car." Kim says the ultimate goal is to remind all women to do monthly self-breast exams and to get a mammogram yearly after age 40. While there is no cure for breast cancer, survival rates are very high when diagnosed early.
In the United States, breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Idaho has one of the lowest mammogram usage rates in the United States.
The organizers wish to thank the United Dairymen
of Idaho and the Western Dairy Association for generously donating
dairy products for the event. For more information on Brake for
Breakfast call Kim Hulme at 847.0949.
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The
Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation's 10th annual Golf "Fore"
Health tournament raised almost $20,000 in sponsorships and in-kind
contributions. The money raised by the Golf "Fore"
Health tournament is used primarily to pay for the free blood
profiles for the senior citizens at the Senior Citizen's Health
Fair. Last year over 500 seniors took advantage of this important
free screening. Clara Dayton, Foundation Board Member from Cokeville,
was the top fund raiser.
Agrium, CPSI, the Montpelier Golf Course, Stan Thompson Haying, Thompson Land & Livestock, and The Store were major sponsors. Over 48 hole sponsors, 51 contributors, 60 players and many volunteers made the event a successful day. The tournament was held at the Montpelier Golf Course and was hosted by Ted Slivinski.
This year, there was a 3 way tie for 1st place, with each of the three teams scoring 62. Players on the winning teams were T. Bunn, Dr. Wolff, R. Montano, and P. Fox; T. Bashford, P. Johnson, T. Bennett and R. Olenrenshaw; K. Martindale, K. Wilson, M. Bagley and N. Jones.
Course contest winners were: Dave Lund, men's longest drive on #1; Mike Winn, men's closest to the pin on #2; Dave Lund, longest putt made on #3; Polly Dahlke, ladies shortest drive on #4; KJ Payne, ladies longest drive on #5; Jared Sharp, men's shortest drive on #6; Mike Winn, closest to the pin in 1 shot on #7; Rick Kunz, longest putt made on #8 and Susan Heyward, ladies closest to the pin on #9.
Other events for the day included breakfast, which was donated by the Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Auxiliary; lunch featuring Rod's Dutch Oven Ribs with donations from Broulim's, Casper Ice Cream and Leonhardt Distributing; a silent auction and a tournament raffle with a grand prize of a Callaway driver, which was won by Tony Pinson. Clara Dayton was honored for bringing in the most donations for the event and was appointed "Queen Tee" for the day.
The Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation wishes to thank all of the businesses and individuals, including Ted Slivinski and his team at the Montpelier Golf Course, for supporting this year's Golf "Fore" Health Tournament.
Thanks to the Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation, various organizations have been awarded health-related support for worth programs around the valley for the foundation's 2009 Healthier Community grant program.
Front, L to R: Kim Hammond - Kids Club, Zach Phelps - Move-a-Mile, Mike Leonhardt - Dive Team, Gay Burdick - Foundation Board, Sherri Bunn - Relay for Life, Crystal Kidd - Relay for Life, Aleisha Jensen - Relay for Life.
Back, L to R: Cameron Marlowe - Parks & Recreation, Adams Park Project, Bob Miller - Foundation Board President, Janalee Sharp - Relay for Life, Dorian Grunig - Relay for Life
The Board of Directors of Bear Lake Memorial Hospital approved credentialing for Dr. Clay Campbell, Joseph E. Podany, MD, Dr. Robert Timothy, DDS, Dr. Monty Weston, DDS, and Dr. Ryan Larsen. Larsen was moved from provisional to active status. The remaining four practitioners were approved for an additional two years.
The board reviewed March and April of 2009 financial and performance reports. March was a record-setting month with revenue of $2.5m and April showed revenues of $2.2m. The hospital will be purchasing the old ambulance garage and remodeling it into office space for hospital staff, with an expectation of moving staff into the building in the fall.
Hospital Administrator, Rod Jacobson developed goals from the Board Retreat that include financial, community and provider, learning and growth and clinical and business measurables. Goals range from building on the improvements already recognized in the housekeeping department to developing a 'future needs plan' for the hospital.
The Hospital gave several scholarships to graduating seniors in the area. They include Arlin Cooper and Cassandra Salzetti from Rich County, Kaylee Weston from Cokeville and Trezlyn Bartschi and Shonnee Romrell from Bear Lake County. The board also approved tuition reimbursement for three pursuing LPN degrees; Ryki Arnell, Courtney Bergholm and Nichole Crockett.
State of Idaho inspectors were delighted with conditions at the Hospital's nursing home during a recent inspection. They complimented Shelly Phelps, Director of Nursing, telling her that if the facility was a car, it only needed a "few bolts tightened".
Phelps said the inspectors "turn the place upside down for 4 days". The inspectors not only look for legal and health violations, but they also watch the daily care and activities as they happen in the nursing home. The few small citations the nursing home received were mainly clerical issues. No citations issued require a follow up visit from the state.
One inspector said, "The Idaho Nursing Home Association should hold one of their conventions in Montpelier so the whole state of Idaho could see this beautiful facility. This is by far the most beautiful nursing home I've ever been in".
Another inspector noted, "Your nursing home care plans are exemplary. I'm not sure who is responsible for them, but they are to be congratulated". (Misty Hymas has this responsibility).
Inspectors also stated "Your activities department does a wonderful job! The residents could not say enough good about all the fun things Ronni Williamson and Jean Pugmire do with them".
Other comments included how active and mobile the residents are, how clean the nursing home was and that it didn't have any unpleasant smells, and how much the staff cares for the residents.
Congratulations to Shelly Phelps and her staff
for their compassionate care, and to everyone who makes the nursing
home shine every day.
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The Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation (BLVHCF) recently learned it has been awarded a $125,000 grant from the M J Murdock Charitable Trust of Vancouver, Washington. The grant will be used to help purchase a new digital x-ray machine for Bear Lake Memorial Hospital (BLMH). The Hospital's current machine is over 12 years old and new parts are no longer being manufactured for it. Refurbished replacement parts are becoming scarce as well.
Murdock representative, Jan Kennedy visited the Bear Lake Memorial campus in the Fall of 2008 to review Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation's grant proposal on behalf of the Hospital's need. Kennedy was impressed with Bear Lake Memorial's stability and progress and was especially pleased by the success of the Hospital's dialysis center.
The Murdock Trust seeks to fund progressive organizations that show strong support from the communities they serve. The Foundation's annual campaign in 2008 and 2009 has received donations from individuals toward the x-ray machine project, experiencing great support from local and out-of-state patients and the Hospital Auxiliary. Contributions from individuals, a legacy gift from John Lake in memory of Ann T. Lake, donations from Hospital employees and a pledge from the Hospital Auxiliary currently total over $80,000. The community's generosity helped significantly in BLVHCF's being awarded the Murdock Trust grant.
The Murdock Charitable Trust has been a strong contributor to Bear Lake Memorial Hospital projects over the years. They have given nearly $200,000 dollars in funding for various projects.
The Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation
and Bear Lake Memorial Hospital extends their thanks to the M
J Murdock Charitable Trust for their support.
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The Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Board approved several credential
requests at their October 28th Board meeting. The hospital has
hired Randal C. Anderson, Radiologist, full-time and his initial
application was approved. Dr. Vashu Thakur has been granted additional
privileges for ER coverage. William Jensen, PA-C was accepted
for an additional two years. A request to Apply for Application
for Appointment to the Medical Staff of BLMH made by Trevor G.
Robinson, OB/GYN, Family Practitioner, was approved. Robinson
is scheduled to open a Family Practice on the hospital campus
in April, 2009.
The Financial Report highlighted gross revenues
for September of $1.8m with an ending cash balance of $1.6m.
Average Daily Revenue was $55,000. Overall, gross revenue was
high; deductions and collections were very high; expenses were
average and other revenue and expenditures were low.
Craig Thomas, Executive Director of the Bear Lake Valley Health
Care Foundation briefly reviewed the power point presentation
given at the We're Grateful Banquet. The Foundation paid for
502 blood panels at the Senior Health Fair, saving senior citizens
in the area over $100,000. The Foundation also funded $8,000
in Healthier Community Grants. The Auxiliary met equipment and
service needs of various departments totaling over $71,000.
The Board approved the creation of a Patient
Financial Services Manager position to serve Dr. Clark, Dr. Podany
and Dr. Thakur's offices as well as the three new physicians.
One person will then oversee the collection and billing of all
the offices in addition to overseeing the Hospital's business
office.
The Board commended employees for zero time lost with Worker's
Compensation. They also commended the staff for increasing their
focus on reducing medication errors.
A recommendation for BLMH Board of Trustees
Terms of Office will be presented before the County Commissioners
in their November Meeting.
The Hospital's wellness center, Absolute Fitness, will begin
offering services November 1, with a grand opening to the public
on November 15th. The center will sell memberships to hospital
employees and the general public. Once security is fully in place,
it will remain open 24/7.
The next meeting of the Bear Lake Memorial
Hospital Board of Directors will be held Tuesday, November 25th,
2008.
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Bear
Lake Memorial Hospital Employees wanted to do something special
for the community, so they decided to hold a fund-raiser and
use the money to build a pavilion on the playground at AJ Winters
Elementary School for the students. Their fund-raiser was a food
booth at the Bear Lake County Fair. Over 500 volunteer man-hours
went into the project.
The booth was a large concrete building and the first order of business was to refresh the interior with some paint and other spruce-up duties. During fair week, employees cooked and served 2,570 hamburgers and cheeseburgers, 450 hot dogs and 240 of the Hospital kitchen's famous homemade cinnamon rolls. In addition they sold sodas, bottled water and Fat Boy ice cream sandwiches (donated by Fat Boy). The employees hoped to net $5,000 for supplies to erect the pavilion. They netted nearly double that, coming in at over $9,000.
Many employees, Hospital Auxiliary members, spouses and even a few family members pitched in to take orders, cook burgers and fries, put together sandwiches, serve as cashiers, and purchase supplies. Some employees used their vacation days during the week so they could man the booth. The booth was busy throughout the fair and word on the street was that there was a "great burger at the Hospital booth at the fair."
Next spring, when everyone has recovered, supplies will be purchased and employees will again volunteer their time to build the pavilion. Students will enjoy the covered pavilion for picnics and parks and rec will use the pavilion in the summer for some of their programs. To the Bear Lake Memorial Hospital employees who worked hard to make the project a huge success - Thank you. As their logo says, we "count on them to care".
The Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation
recently created a brochure with all of the details pertaining
to the 2008 Golf Fore Health Tournamnet to be held on August
23, 2008 at the Montpelier Golf Course sponsored by Pink's. For
additional information, click on BROCHURE.
The
Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Board recognized Skilled Nursing
Facility Director of Nursing, Virginia Gardner for 20 Years of
Outstanding Service. Gardner retired from the hospital on June
30th. An open house is planned for Friday, July 18th from 1:30-3:30
pm on the SNF patio in her honor.
The board welcomed Tami Swanson as a new ex-officio board member and Dave Henriksen who is doing a hospital internship.
Four board trustees and Administrator Rod Jacobson attended training in Boise. The board members who attended agreed it was the best instruction they have received. Training topics included price transparency, board evaluations, crucial conversations, immigration issues and finding better ways to care for the uninsured. The board will continue to address these issues in future meetings.
Lila Rigby reported on ways South Lincoln county handles EMT transfer reimbursements.
Cameron Marlowe presented a proposed pre-admission policy. The goal is to offer guidelines for educating patients regarding up-front payments for non-emergent surgical services and how to calculate the appropriate amount to be paid by the patient/guarantor. The board approved the Prepayment Policy and Procedure for Bear Lake Memorial Hospital.
The Hospital is planning to train two nurses in ICU procedures. They will do their practicals now and take the required class in October.
Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation Executive Director, Craig Thomas reported on the Foundation's activities. Preparation for the Golf Tournament, sponsored by Pink's Sofa and Sleep Center is underway. The family of Ann Lake contributed a legacy gift toward the hospital's new x-ray machine. The Foundation received two Emergency Planning grants totaling $40,500. 9,000 copies of the Innovations publication, the award magazine published by the National Center for Frontier Communities were distributed in the Bear Laker.
In the monthly financial report for May, it was reported that the hospital almost broke $2m in gross revenue. Average daily revenue for the month was $52,500. Collections amounted to $1.1m and $1.3 million was spent. The net ending balance is $964,000.
Intern Dave Henriksen presented a preliminary feasibility study on a wellness center. Many options were discussed including offering classes and education on physical fitness. The project could create a true community health center.
The hospital board will meet with the Caribou Memorial board July 30th at the Oregon Trail Center for dinner and entertainment. The board will not meet in July.
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The Ann T. Lake family gave a major gift toward the purchase of a new x-ray machine for Bear Lake Memorial Hospital in her memory. To acknowledge this legacy gift, Dr. Campbell's office has been renamed the Ann T. Lake Building. The Lake family, hospital employees, hospital board members, Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation Board members and friends celebrated Ann's life and unveiled the building's new sign on Wednesday, June 11th. At the service, Foundation Executive Director Craig Thomas thanked the Lake family on behalf of the foundation and hospital for their generosity. Hospital Administrator Rod Jacobson read from a booklet of remembrances of Ann shared by hospital employees. Craig Thomas wrote of Ann, "The Hospital's values of integrity, compassion, the personal touch, quality and progressiveness were part of Ann's very being before they were ever written down and adopted by the Hospital. She lived them daily." The Hospital, Foundation and many friends extend their thanks to the Lake family for commemorating Ann by helping with the purchase of the x-ray equipment. Because of their generosity, many people in the community will receive the benefit of leading-edge diagnostic health care. |
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At the May 27th meeting of the Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, provisional privileges were granted to visiting urologist Ryan Larsen, MD and visiting orthopedist, William Hazle, MD. In addition, general surgeon Joseph Podany, MD was granted additional privileges for ER coverage.
The Board expressed appreciation to Bear Lake Counseling Services for their beautiful new downtown building.
Mayor Reed Peterson informed the Board that Triad Resorts is locating in Montpelier, creating 150 jobs with an annual payroll of $15 million. Amy Bishop's salary was partially funded by the hospital and it was through her efforts that Triad is coming to the Valley. Mayor Peterson thanked Rod and the board for having the foresight to commit to the economic development of the community.
The Mayor also reported that AJ Winters Elementary was awarded a grant in the amount of $69,000 per year for five years for an After School Program. Amy Bishop and Amy Marlowe spearheaded the effort and secured the grant. Moneys will be used to purchase computers and software. Funding came from the 'No Child Left Behind' Act. This is the first time such a grant has been awarded in the State of Idaho to any organization other than a school district - another powerful impact on the community.
The following strategic plan goals were chosen at the Board Retreat: Financial-- establish productivity benchmarks that are department related; reduce to 4% or less, the increase of expenses for services performed for each department. Clinical and Business-develop more formal relationships with employers; develop appropriate education regarding transfer and ICU protocols for our physicians; create HIGH housekeeping standards; conduct feasibility study of ER Fast Track. Learning and Growth-Intensive Care training for nurses and/or others; will continue to provide scholarships for employees.
The Board reviewed the Performance Improvement Quarterly Report ending March 31, 2008.
Lila Rigby reported for the Scholarship Committee. Five high school graduates were selected to receive scholarships in the amount of $500 each. Employee Mark Francom was awarded 75% tuition reimbursement for one semester in the Radiographic Imaging program.
Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Home Health reported that gross revenues are up from last year, but so are expenses. Their cash flow for the quarter is good.
The Board expressed appreciation for the Auxiliary. The Auxiliary recently purchased a new lift for the Skilled Nursing Facility, a new labor and delivery bed, and a backboard and spider straps for Acute Care.
The next Board Meeting will be held June 24th in the hospital board room.
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