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The latest hospital board meeting began with approving the previous meeting’s minutes. There was no financial report presented.

Next, David Paugh, Chief Financial Officer provided a comparison of volume levels across several key areas for 2024-2025, including Acute Patient Days, Swing Bed Days, Manor Census, Deliveries, Surgical Procedures, Emergency Visits, Wound Clinic, CT Scans, Mammography, and Physician Practice Visits. While Manor Census, Deliveries, Wound Clinic, CT Scans, Mammography, and Physician Practice Visits increased from the prior year, the board discussed strategies to compensate for declines in other volume categories.

Following this, the board reviewed the hospital’s financial situation.

Capital Equipment Approvals

Stephen Gambrell, Assistant Administrator, presented a report on the Portable Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). FEES is an essential procedure for assessing swallowing difficulties, particularly dysphagia, allowing for the identification of aspiration, penetration, and other related issues. The board approved the equipment and hired a speech pathologist to oversee its use.

Chief Nursing Officer Lori Banks then presented the OR unit’s Endoscopy Drying and Storage Cabinet. This cabinet protects against bacterial growth while ensuring continuous airflow around the endoscopes. After discussion, the board approved the purchase.

Additionally, the hospital faced an equipment failure when the kitchen’s ice machine broke after years of service. Despite attempted repairs, the machine was deemed unfixable, prompting the hospital to order a replacement.

Facility Improvements & Expansion

Gambrell provided updates on Weekly Clinical and Support Services, including facility improvement projects.

• The hospital’s floor renovation is currently in Phases 4 and 5, with Phase 4 nearing completion and Phase 5 scheduled soon.
• The front parking lot renovation was completed on April 21 and other additional phases are being planned for other lots.

Additionally, the hospital has hired Emilee Miller as a physical therapist for the Pelvic Floor PT Program, scheduled to begin treating inpatients and outpatients starting August 1.

Generator Project & Market Initiative

The board discussed the Generator Project, a $1 million grant-funded initiative awarded by FEMA and GEMA, which will provide three new generators to improve hospital infrastructure.

Plans for a micro-market inside the hospital are also underway. The market will offer snacks, freshly made food provided by Pepi, drinks from Coca-Cola, and essential items such as toothpaste and toothbrushes. A plant demo and rebuild project will accompany the market’s launch, with Nikki Rich overseeing its design. The market is set to go live on July 1.

Staff Engagement & MRI Machine Lease

A new team member breakfast started in April, hosted by Toole, Gambrell, and other leaders. Employees who started in March, along with their managers, will be invited to attend a non-work-related breakfast event aimed at fostering connections and relaxation.

The board also discussed the MRI machine lease, which is set to expire on October 15. The hospital has a six-month notice period to decide whether to lease new equipment, return the machine, or file for ownership for $1. The decision to file for ownership at $1 will allow continued service at a reduced cost, saving the hospital $17,000 in expenses.

CEO Report & Strategic Growth Initiatives

CEO LaDon Toole concluded the meeting with a report covering various legislative, financial, healthcare expansion, technology improvements, and infrastructure initiatives.

Legislative and financial updates include efforts in Tort Reform and maternal healthcare funding, with collaboration between Dr. Bridges and the Office of Planning and Budget. The financial outlook anticipates important fiscal decisions in May.

Healthcare expansion and operational growth focus on Augusta partnership developments, OP Telemedicine services, inpatient care, and ED capacity improvements. Specialty recruitment remains a challenge in cardiology, orthopedics, and urology, prompting active hiring strategies. Orthopedic program development highlights efforts to enhance community healthcare options.

Facility and infrastructure improvements include Georgia Heart-supported elastomeric coating and renovations, expected over the next 12-18 months.

Technology and service enhancements feature Modus One and TruMed implementation, aimed at documentation accuracy and revenue optimization. Expansion into remote and bariatric patient monitoring supports broader healthcare accessibility. Advanced T-Systems for Electrical Medical Records (EMR) and eICU development explores emergency care solutions, potentially in collaboration with Emory for eICU services. 340-B is a program that requires drug manufacturers to offer significant discounts on outpatient drugs to eligible healthcare organizations and covered entities. Its efforts enhance partnerships with self-insured companies and pharmacies for financial growth.

Community engagement and strategic partnerships center on Manor performance improvement, including initiatives to fill facilities, enhance short-stay options, and improve wound care and referrals. Micro Market development progresses, focusing on employee and visitor convenience services. Multiple grant funding initiatives aim to secure Congressional Directed Spending and Hazardous Mitigation Grants for ongoing projects.

Employee engagement and operational optimization include Town Hall meetings designed for staff feedback, along with pre-certifications and outpatient scheduling improvements to enhance patient-provider experiences.

Strategic collaborations and future growth efforts include OB and surgery expansion with Miller County Hospital, aiming to prevent service duplication while expanding healthcare options. Future service opportunities such as South Georgia Spine & Joint Infusions and a Vein Center are under consideration. Cybersecurity and legal discussions continue regarding a cyber incident.

The board entered executive session and adjourned.