A large “thank you” went out during Thursday night’s Trigg County Hospital Board of Director’s meeting, when President/CEO John Sumner confirmed that the recently-passed SB 197 appropriated the $600,000 match for the $3.6 million ambulance building.
Sumner said it means neither the hospital, nor Trigg County Fiscal Court, will be out any money on the coming — and needed — facility, and that work will soon begin.
Furthermore, Sumner noted he and Lori Blakeley have, within the last two weeks, gotten the purchase agreement co-signed with the John L. Street Library Board, which includes the reported swap, 4.47 acres and the Rose’s building.
Closing will happen two weeks from now, in which Sumner said the hospital is expected to put out for bids on the Mize demolition. Drawings, Sumner added, are already being rendered by Spurr Architecture.
In other hospital news:
+ Sumner reported that hospitalist Cheryl Vinson has resigned after two years with Trigg County, in hopes of getting closer to home.
+ One set of emergency room doors have been installed, and Sumner said another set will be installed soon once other parts arrive.
+ The hospital’s main helipad, Sumner said, has been repainted.
+ Sumner confirmed that the hospital’s “bad debt” is up 33% year-over-year, and is now $1.1 million more than the last. However, total operating revenue is above $29 million, with a strong and achievable target of $33 million.
Answering board member Joe Nichols, Sumner and Chief Financial Officer Don Michael confirmed that most, if not all, of the hospital’s bad debt annually stems from emergency room and ambulance service costs — especially when patients have larger deductibles and co-insurance.
+ Sumner also mentioned that the hospital is about to try something “different and unique” with some new advertising.
+ Jodi Wilson, compliance officer, also confirmed that an updated policy and procedure regarding patient rights and responsibilities brings more accountability to visitors.
+ The board of directors did close the evening in executive session, in order to discuss buildings and grounds insurance costs.
