The Newman Regional Health Board of Trustees had a relatively light agenda during their monthly meeting Wednesday afternoon.
During the meeting, the Board of Trustees were briefed on the financial numbers for the month of June. Newman Regional Health’s operating loss was $10,236 compared to a budgeted operating loss of $72,745. The hospital had a net income of $3,369 and had budgeted for a net loss of $40,753. Inpatient revenue numbers reflected a $332,357 drop from the budgeted amount of $3,758,978. Inpatient admissions were 284 compared to the budgeted number of 311. Outpatient visits were down as well, with the actuals being 3,798 compared to a budgeted number of visits of 3,986. The year-to-date operating loss is $974,912.
In other matters, the board received a report on the hospital’s realignment plan, which was intended to save the hospital money and manhours. The hospital consolidated and shut down programs including the Employee’s Assistance Program and Recovery Road on April 3 and Home Health on April 30. The Lyon County Commission approved the charter resolution for the creation of a Public Building Commission. The new commission will allow the hospital to save money on its debt.
Holly French, chief financial officer, told the board that labor productivity continues to improve each pay period.
The board also looked at the hospital’s charity care policy and expanded the criteria to include more people. The financial cost of applying the new criteria would be $40,000.
madpoet (anonymous) says...
Good for them, they lost less than they thought they would. I don't think all of us county taxpayers should basically co-sign a loan for a business who constantly loses money. If the county commission gets their way, that will be what we do. Sure, the hospital gets a better rate on bonds but if they can't pay, who does? Us, that's who. I think all of us taxpayers should think seriously if we would co-sign a loan with an individual or company who lost money every month. I plan on going to the County Clerk's office and signing a protest to this action. This is a lot of money involved and we taxpayers should have a say in it.
July 23, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
phiber101 (anonymous) says...
WOW, they are losing less money than projected - but they are still losing money! Maybe that's because if you go to the Emergency Room for an injury warranting such care, you can expect to be in there for a good 3 to 4 hours before they tell you to take some asprin and call your regular doctor the following day. Or MAYBE it's because some of the doctors over there have a superiority complex (I worked there, and NO I'm not going to explain that statement). Most clinic doctors are thinking quantity over quality care. Most people I know would rather drive to Council Grove, Burlington or Topeka for non life threatening events rather than go to the Emergency Room locally. Newman Regional Health will never move forward without replacing 75% (if not more) of it's management and doctors. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and this is only my opinion so take it with a grain of salt.
July 23, 2009 at 10:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
madpoet (anonymous) says...
Don't worry, phiber101, many share your opinion of Newman. The last time I went to the ER, will be the LAST time I go there. I switched to a dr. in Burlington and use the hospital there. They have nice doctors who actually treat you like a person not a paycheck, nice nurses who will answer your questions when you call, a nice hospital with up-to-date technology and friendly staff. And the billing dept. is not run by ogres who will threaten to turn you over to debt collection before your insurance even settles on the bill.
July 24, 2009 at 8:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
evil_conservative (anonymous) says...
Let's take a moment to appreciate the fact that we still have a choice of where to take our business when it comes to health care. If many in Congress get their way, that option will be taken away from us.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEXFUb...
July 25, 2009 at 5:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )