County hospital district is looking for a van
Staff reporter
St. Luke Living Center needs a van.
Thom Smith, administrator of St. Luke Hospital & Living Center, reported Thursday during a special meeting of the board of directors of Marion County Hospital District #1, that the public transportation van provided by Marion County Department for Elderly could no longer be used by the facility.
Previously the living center paid the elderly department to use the van to transport residents to doctors' appointments and on weekly outings.
The hospital had contacted the elderly department and requested insurance information when the determination was made that the spirit of the grant was to provide transportation to the general public, not a specific group.
Eighty percent of funding for the vans come from Kansas Department of Transportation grants, Smith said.
Smith said there may be state grant funds the district can apply for to pay for a van but they wouldn't be dispersed until 2007.
The ideal size and style of van would be a full-size conversion with a ramp or lift and sufficient space for six residents and one staff member.
Smith said he was considering contacting USD 408 to inquire about using a vehicle. Martin Tice, board member and school district employee, said qualified drivers would be the only ones able to operate the vehicle and the school utilizes the vehicles during the day.
In the meantime, staff members are using private vehicles to transport residents as needed.
Hilary Dolbee reported she had conducted research into the price of a new mini-van with a ramp at $40,000-$45,000. A full size van with the necessary equipment could cost $40,000-$50,000. A used one could be purchased for $20,000, Dolbee said. Other forms of transportation such as shuttle buses could cost between $40,000 and $60,000.
Debbie Craig, resident director of the living center, will meet with a KDOT representative to discuss the grant.
Board member Bruce Skiles suggested Smith contact a company near Girard that has used vans with the necessary equipment.
Hospital and board officials also would consider a donation of a van from an individual or business.
In other business:
— Sidewalk construction soon will begin at the front entrance of the hospital. Smith said a steep concrete incline will be corrected, a new sidewalk and concrete pad will be constructed on the northeast portion of the hospital's property, and repair to a sidewalk north of Marion Family Physicians clinic.
— The board approved $184,925 in vouchers.
— Gene Winkler, board president, asked hospital personnel to provide information regarding the board transferring property to St. Luke Foundation.
Discussions were heard at previous meetings regarding the topic with no resolution.
Smith said he had concerns about recommending the transference of property at this time.
He also said the foundation then would be responsible for insurance and upkeep of the buildings.
Winkler said it may improve the hospital's cost report which was his reason for consideration.
Judy Reno, board member, said the hospital district needed the income generated from leases at the buildings and also was not sure if that was in the best interest of the district.
The next regular hospital district meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the clinic basement.
