Hospital Commissioners focus on construction completion, EACC closure

The Adams County Hospital District No. 2 Board of Commissioners discussed updates at the local facility regarding the recent construction and remodel during their meeting on Feb. 23.

CEO/CFO Gary Bostrom reported he met with NAC, Leone and Keeble, and Apollo Solutions to discuss the final areas needing to be completed in regards to the construction. Bostrom said there were five pages of small item repairs at the facility.

Bostrom updated the Commissioners regarding the roof, stating the company had sent employees out to complete the patchwork and repair in at least six places.

Dependent on the amount of patchwork having to be completed, Bostrom estimated the work would be done within a week.

NAC and Leone and Keeble are expected to present a timeline for completion of the projects, Bostrom stated. He reassured the companies understand the work must be finished prior to the Open House event on March 30.

The largest issue surrounding the substantial completion of the remodel is the flooding issue that continues near the new clinic extension of the hospital. During the prior week’s rain and runoff, Bostrom said the water flooded into the basement of the hospital and into the IT room.

Bostrom stated they were fortunate no equipment was damaged and the maintenance staff quickly cleaned out the water, but it is unknown what the long-term effects of the water damage could be.

As the smaller projects are completed at the hospital, Bostrom said the District has also been focusing on the closure of East Adams Care Center. The facility closed in mid-February, with four residents being transferred to the hospital for continued care.

CNO Brenda Herr said the transition went smoothly, and the residents seem to be enjoying their time in the new facility and the District has received positive feedback from them and the families regarding their care.

With the new facility nearly complete, Bostrom advised the Commissioners of a change in procedures. He stated all individuals must sign in at the front desk before accessing any portion of the hospital. Bostrom emphasized this includes the Commissioners, as well as visitors, in order to be able to monitor who is in the building.

Bostrom also provided an update regarding the MRI equipment. Previously ran through Inland Imaging, the services have now been transferred to MRI Mobile. Bostrom explained not only is the equipment of a higher quality, but the machine is more affordable.

The financial overview of the month showed the District under budget by $131,843. Bostrom added the hospital accounts receivable increased by $353,831.

For the current month, the District had a new income of $38,861 compared to last year’s loss of $71,153 for the hospital.

With the addition of ultrasound at the hospital, Bostrom expects the District to continue to improve on having a positive bottom line. Along with collected Medicare insurance payments at the hospital, Bostrom said there is an estimated $200,000 left to collect from EACC residents.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Commissioners agreed to have Attorney Randy Stamper attend a meeting for training purposes for the Board. The Commissioners are hopeful Stamper will be able to complete the training prior to the Open House on March 30, and therefore he will also be present for the community event.

The next monthly meeting for the District is March 23 at 5:30 p.m. in the hospital basement.