Please also see our editorial related to this story: Open meetings should be taken seriously

Following an executive session, the Memorial Hospital Authority on Tuesday afternoon announced approval of a new contract for CEO Billy Walker — a contract that included a $35,000 annual salary increase. The new contract also made provisions for an additional incentive up to 20 percent, subject to an evaluation of accomplishments to be made on the organizational goals at the end of this new fiscal year — in April 2013.

Authority Chairman Charles Tyson said Walker’s contract was evaluated and the 26-percent raise granted based on the financial turn-around and great progress the hospital has made to correct its fiscal condition, during Walker’s first term as CEO in Fiscal Year 2012.

When Walker took the reins of the CEO position in March 2011, the hospital had been reporting monthly income losses. It had a year-to-date income loss of $1,400,310. The prior year-to-date figure had been a negative $799,808.

By end of FY 2012 (March 31, 2012) it reported a year-to-date net income of a positive $643,607, indicating the hospital recovered to the tune of $2,043,917 in a period of one year.

Positive figures have since continued to be reported, with a net income for the month of April 2012 at $185,280.

 

In other action, capital equipment purchases were approved.

• OBIX Perinatal Data System for use in the OB Department, with a five year total cost of $310,246.

• Set of Yellowfin Stirrups for use in surgery department at a cost of $7,371. They replace a set purchased over 15 years ago.

• Electronic Prescription Software, necessary to meet required electronic medical records mandate and improve patient safety, at total five year cost of $102,281.

• Portable PICC ultrasound system — used when making a peripherally inserted central catheter into a vein. Cost is approved not to exceed $33,571 five year cost. Projected return on the equipment cost is said to be two months.

Also approved was a request from the Pharmacy Department for a consultant from Vitalize Consulting Solutions to implement and train on the EMAR/BMV project. The estimated cost is $19,200 plus travel and expenses.

The organizational goals that had been set for FY 2012 were reviewed by Walker, who gave percentages rating the progress being made toward those goals.

The Utilization Management Plan for the Quality Management Department, required annually by the Georgia Medical Care Foundation. was also approved as submitted.

Walker announced that two fundraisers held by the hospital foundation realized a net profit of $34,000. He also announced that the hospital Relay for Life team received an award for raising the most money, $7,555, and it was the third year they have received that award.

It was announced that an all-day hospital board retreat will be held June 7 at Holiday Inn Express.

Following the board meeting there was a reception held for Dr. Alicia Estillore, a local pediatrician who is leaving her Bainbridge practice and relocating to Tallahassee.

Walker announced a new pediatrician has committed to come to Bainbridge in November.

Please also see our editorial related to this story: Open meetings should be taken seriously