Hospital district seeks additional revenue
Staff reporter
Completing its first year as an independently-operated hospital, Marion County Hospital District #1 will have a clearer picture for the 2006 budget.
Final figures for the year will not be available until the November meeting but preliminary figures indicate St. Luke Hospital & Living Center remain in a strong financial position.
Even though the bottom line will indicate an anticipated net loss on paper, the amount of the loss may not be as much as anticipated.
Total revenue for the month of August was $492,635, and a total of $5,126,720, for 11 months.
Total expenses for August were $572,977, and a total of $6,154,204, for 11 months.
When other non-operation income is added in, the net loss thus far is $28,940.
"We've made our first mark this first transitional year," Smith said. He added the facility must expand services and find a niche market to provide more revenue.
In other business:
— Thom Smith, chief executive officer, reported physician recruitment is continuing.
A physician from Colorado has declined the position because of his concerns of doing emergency room on-call.
Another physician, who won't be available until next June is interested, said Smith.
A third physician who is interested in working part-time at Marion Family Physicians has provided ER on-call.
— Surgeon recruitment also is continuing.
Efforts were made by Smith to meet with a surgeon from Emporia but he has not been able to set up meeting. Smith said he was concerned about the doctor's availability to perform surgeries if he is difficult to meet.
A McPherson surgeon could not commit to coming to Marion until the end of the year due to other conflicts. Smith said he had discussed with Memorial Hospital personnel about sharing expenses for a new surgeon.
Smith said he talked with officials at Newton Medical Center who are in the process of hiring another surgeon.
— The board approved the renewal of insurance for property, liability, malpractice, etc., at a cost of $138,500.
Board president Gene Winkler asked if bids could be solicited for the insurance. Smith said they could but it was too late for this year.
Chief financial officer Hilary Dolbee said bids would be solicited next year.
— A retreat is being planned for the board of trustees and hospital officials.
Availability of meeting places within the county will be checked and booked for Nov. 29. The board's monthly meeting also will be held that evening at the retreat location.
— Lobby furniture has been ordered. Delivery is anticipated within a few weeks.
— Bob Jobin of Quorum Health Resources, reported an evaluation for Smith must be completed by the board.
Evaluations will be sent to each board member and will be discussed in executive session at the board's next meeting.
A pay raise will be considered at that time.
— Janet Herzet, St. Luke Foundation representative, reported a "sizable" donation had been received by the foundation and will be used to purchase a bench and construct a sidewalk to the berm area.
— Accounts payable for $127,485 were approved.
— St. Luke Foundation reported a balance of $124,347 in its checking account with donations.
— The hospital auxiliary reported a balance of $8,726 in its checking account.
The board will meet at noon Oct. 13 to approve bills and payroll.
The next regular board meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 in the clinic basement.
