CCHS financials favorable

DAYTON-The Columbia County Health System board of commissioners were advised of a $46,000 net gain in April financial report given on May 25, the accounting firm DZA, PLLC presented an audit report that had no findings, and updates were given on projects and the decisions were made to pause the Acute Hallway Project and approve a simulation training program for staff.

The CCHS board meeting reflected a net gain of $46,000 as opposed to the losses reported in the first quarter. However, the net income remains under budget by $121,000 due to total net incomes losses of $308,000 last quarter, as well as a shortfall in the non-operating income for budgeted grants until more funding may become available.

The audit report showed no findings and, in some areas, DZA pointed out that CCHS is meeting and exceeding recommendations by paying for items as they come due and by keeping 11-12% of revenue as income where only 3% minimum is recommended. One suggestion was to reduce the number of days to bill and collect for services. The administration has already been addressing this by hiring a new coding manager and two new billers. CEO Shane McGuire said, “Our cash flow situation is something we’re monitoring closely...It’s going to take a few months to get that backlog pushed through.”

McGuire proposed to the Board of Directors to table the Acute Hallway Project to connect Booker Hall One Acute Care to the general hospital Acute Care. He said, “This is probably the worst time in decades to be doing any kind of construction. Inflationary costs keep going up. Costs of operations are high. We have been chasing this hallway project for almost a year and a half. We get more money coming in, and we have more money going out. Then we go get it priced and it’s $250k higher. We’re in this position where we think we’re going to have to back off on this project right now.” He added that in the past other projects have been paused such as the ER and dental projects. The Board agreed it was the right move.

The Rivers Walk Assisting Living is on schedule according to Contractor John McLean. The roofing is completed on the four units and siding is going up. There are 60 currently on the list for 40 spaces. A fifth unit is still planned for construction in Waitsburg. 60 currently on the list for 40 spaces. A fifth unit is still planned for construction in Waitsburg. Those who want more information can call or visit the administration building.

The board unanimously approved the five-year lease option for the SimMan 3G Advanced Patient Simulator Program and equipment. The SimMan 3G Advanced Patient Simulator Program employees provide in-service training for quality improvement through remediation, communication, and goal setting.

McGuire spoke about the leadership philosophies at CCHS in relation to these objectives. “We provide timely and high-quality healthcare interventions through bold innovation, use of industry best practice and collaboration with our team and community. We ensure high performance by providing the resources necessary to succeed, along with the guidance for the prudent use of those resources and we engage our employees through respectful dialogue and meaningful investment into each individual success.”

He previously met with the nurse supervisors about the challenges including gaps in skillsets between tenure staff, new hires, and contracted staff.

Through offering more adequate orientation for new hires and regular training for all staff, they can provide improved patient care and readiness in critical situations.

Simulation labs are commonly used by larger health systems and provide guided learning through immersive experiences.

Additional information was provided by veteran Respiratory Therapists, Mike Anderson who offers simulation lab training at Kadlec and Tom Anderson, from CCHS who is also the Safety Director.