Hospital District reviews services, preps for Ribbon Cutting

As the Adams County Hospital District No. 2 staff members prepare for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on March 30, the Board of Commissioners discussed updates at the facility and financials.

CEO/CFO Gary Bostrom advised he met with the three contracting companies involved in the remodeling construction, and they discussed the items needing to be repaired prior to the District’s event on Thursday.

Bostrom stated they had eight days to complete the checklist of items, and the Building Committee received a complete list of the repairs needed.

Among the list of repairs, Bostrom explained there are still four leaks in the roof, and those may be attributed to the damage the roof had during construction. He also said there are issues with portions of the paint, and installation is scheduled for new dry wall as well.

Bostrom said the wall next to the Emergency Room is also undergoing revisions prior to the Thursday event. He said once the issues are resolved, the District can begin the landscaping project and improve the overall appearance of the building.

The meeting also included an update on the future of the East Adams Care Center building. Commissioner Eric Walker and Bostrom met with Economic Development Director Stephen McFadden, who advised the selling of the building and land may be the preferred option for the District.

Bostrom said they will have a realtor walk through the property at a later date, and continue to pursue the option of selling.

A new pilot program is also beginning at the District, in partnership with People For People, Bostrom explained. The company will begin providing transport twice a week for individuals in need of medical care from Lind and Washtucna.

The program runs through June and is currently at no cost to the District. In June, the Commissioners intend to revisit the idea of continuing the program, if People For People is interested in it continuing and if it has been successful.

Bostrom also provided a brief financial update informing the commissioners the District has a net loss of $70,937 for the current month and a year to date loss of $65,007.

He advised the District is looking into hiring a company to help collect accounts receivable payments that are over 180 days out.

The District is also gearing up for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on March 30, where residents are invited to visit the hospital from 4-7 p.m. Those attending have an opportunity to win door prizes, take tours of the facility and visit with vendors.

The official ribbon cutting will occur at 5:30 p.m. and light refreshments will be served during the event.

The hospital will also be offering reduced-fee labs, and the physical therapy department will be on hand to answer questions.

Life Flight will also be bringing a two-patient helicopter and landing on the helipad. Attendees will have an opportunity to view the helicopter and talk to the crew.

EARH is located at 903 South Adams Street in Ritzville.