Chairman re-elected; Chief of Staff changes

By Melissa Gemmell

Dayton Chronicle Reporter

DAYTON-Columbia County Health System (CCHS) Board approved the re-election of Bob Hutchens as Board Chair, with Jim Kime as Vice-Chair and Barb Miller as Secretary at the meeting December 15.

Other changes include Chief of Staff and Vice-chief of Staff, and the naming of River's Walk Assisted Living Facility,

Hutchens responded by saying, "I will serve. I will do my best and I appreciate your confidence. I really trust every one of you." CEO Shane McGuire extended his appreciation for his service and acknowledged the time it took as a board member.

McGuire presented a revised strategic plan to the Board in anticipation of approval in the new year. Hutchens proposed a special meeting for January 6 to give the Board time for plan review and the addition of financial investments including for capital improvements.

Chief of Staff Kyle Terry, M.D., announced Dr. Lewis Neace will be replacing him as of January and he will assume a vice-chief position.

Dr. Terry also reported that the hospital has had to send patients for inpatient care elsewhere because of staffing issues. CCHS continues to advertise for multiple open positions. According to the human resources termination report, acute care has seen the highest turnover for November making the total turnover for the facility at .9%.

McGuire announced as a result of a community survey, River's Walk was selected for the assisted living facility name from among five choices provided by an internal resident council. Each assisted living unit will be called a cottage with their own name. The Board responded in favor of the new name and said it was a fitting choice. The construction of the units continues with framing, and decisions are being made for interior fittings.

McGuire provided the financial report which reflects November gross numbers. "November's gross numbers included some catch up with coding and billing, he said. "Our coding partners are not immune to the workforce shortage challenging employers across the Nation. They had some difficulty filling open positions and when they did fill them, there were some quality challenges that they have been able to work through. We are seeing coding catch up for Wound Care, Emergency Services, and Therapy Services."

The Outpatient Revenue number was $486,657 over budget and the Rehabilitation Services line was $196,047 over budget. The shortfall of $173,268 in inpatient services revenue was offset considerably by the $682,704 from outpatient services. November showed a net loss due to operating expenses being 12% higher than budgeted because of salaries, benefits and professional fees and purchase services, particularly for contract labor that have increased over the last six to nine months as reported by CFO Matt Minor.

The Board approved and signed over the transfer of the Day Estate to the Blue Mountain Community Foundation from Bank of America to take effect by the end of the year.