Hospital board approves contract with Quorum
Staff reporter
The Board of Directors of Hospital District Number 1 met at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 13 in the clinic basement and approved the contract with Quorum, a professional consulting firm.
The requested changes to the contract had been made with Quorum remaining firm on their quoted price.
The contract will provide professional consulting services to the hospital and Living Center.
Beginning Nov. 17, the hospital leadership team will meet monthly to construct a transition plan and timelines. Information will be shared with employees and reported to the board beginning in January.
Lori Ryan, administrator of Marion Manor, requested clarification from the board regarding articles that had been in the Marion County Record.
The board stated that management from Mid-America had contacted the board several months ago about a potential investment in Marion Manor. The board stated that the decision had been made not to consider the opportunity at this time.
The board instead decided to concentrate its time and resources on the operations of St. Luke Hospital after Banner Health's management contract ends.
Ryan was asked the intentions of Beverly Enterprises, the management company of Marion Manor, with the facility. Ryan stated that Beverly Enterprises plans to continue its commitment to operate Marion Manor and has no intention of closing it.
Both parties agreed that Marion Manor provides a valuable service to the community.
The board heard that St. Luke Foundation had a record high balance of $502,305.
Kevin Fruechting, board member, presented the report. He thanked the community for its outstanding generosity.
Greg Bowers, board member, presented the treasurer's report. Bowers suggested an additional $100,000 certificate of deposit. The board approved the suggestion.
Marion Family Physicians have requested a written lease for the Lincolnville Clinic. It was agreed to ask $100 a month for rent. Kevin Cronkleton, chief financial officer, will negotiate the lease.
Cronkleton presented a bid of $500 from Sanders Electric to install a fire detector in the radiology department. The bid includes materials, labor, and certification of the system operations.
With the bid being less than previous bids, the Sanders Electric bid was approved.
Doug Newman, chief executive officer, provided the following reports:
— A new water heater had been installed at the Lincolnville Clinic.
— The stove in the hospital kitchen is needing to be replaced. The stove is over 15 years old and has cooked over 620,000 meals.
— Dr. Benjamin Weaver, a podiatrist, has been granted privileges and will begin seeing patients in December.
— A meeting with Martha McCabe is being planned to discuss grant writing. The board is interested in grants for computer technology, tele-radiology, and anesthesia coverage.
— A team of hospital personnel is reviewing computer software vendors for replacement of Banner Health software.
The next board meeting will be at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 11, in the clinic basement.
