Memorial Hospital Authority members heard a report from the Building and Grounds Committee regarding the ongoing construction work in the registration, pre-admission and outpatient testing areas, and the board approved change orders totaling $7,813.33. The flooring is ready to install, and once that is finished, staff may begin to be moved into the new areas, which are defined by large white columns and glass doors.

The financial report was reviewed in detail, with the most obvious, bottom line being a $223,413 net income loss for January, 2018. It was noted by Treasurer, Rusty Davis, that expenses were higher in January, with higher health plan  expenses being mostly responsible.

CEO Jim Lambert gave a report that included many activities he has been involved in over the last month. They include:

• Conducting 15 town hall meetings over the past two weeks, with more to come;

• CFO search has been narrowed to two candidates with whom he will be meeting this week;

• Selected the dates of April 20-21 for a strategic planning meeting.

• The new orthopedist, Brian Zirgibel, will begin in April;

• Work is being done on a new budget to be presented at the March meeting;

• Progress was given on several grant projects being conducted by Memorial Hospital and Manor

Under other business, members discussed the Opioid Class Action Lawsuit being pushed by the law firm of Blasingame, Burch, Garrard  & Ashley, PC against pharmaceutical companies that manufacture the opioids. The firm is recruiting local governments, physicians and hospitals to join in the class action suit. No definite decision was made and will be further discussed in more detail at a future meeting.