Due to the Executive Orders in place with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, the West Tennessee Healthcare Board of Trustees conducted its monthly meeting virtually – and in accordance with the open meetings laws.
“The month of March was one of great volatility for the health system,” said Jeff Blankenship, Chief Financial Officer, West Tennessee Healthcare, “Volumes began to decline early in the month and, with social distancing measures and mandated service closure and down-scaling occurring mid-month, the system experienced a sharp decline in volume in almost every area of service.
“Consequently, total revenue for the month was 25 percent under budget, compared with only one percent under for the eight months prior.”
Blankenship said during this period, the health system experienced increased cost in its order to prepare for and respond to COVID-19 concerns for West Tennessee.
“Increased testing, visitor screening, out-fitting and staffing of dedicated units, and buildup on personal protective equipment all contributed to higher than usual costs,” Blankenship said, “As a result, the system’s operating income for the month was a loss of $18.1 million, which is $19.9 million less than budgeted.
“The system is working to respond by accessing relief provided at the state and federal level and adjust operations to the significant drop in volume and revenue, which has intensified through end of April.”
One of seven resolutions passed during the meetinig was for the purchase of 40 detection systems to be used at the West Tennessee Surgery Center and in operating and procedures rooms at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, plus the purchase of 5 Situate Delivery Systems to be utilized in the Labor and Delivery area at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.
The Board ratified the purchase of a sponge detection system and authorizes the President or his designee to contract for the purchase and installation of the detection systems and Situate Delivery Systems at a cost of $340,000 of budgeted District funds.
Additional resolutions included –
Meetings & Support of in the Time of COVID-19
COVID-19 Related Capital Costs
Care Aware Revision
Ratification of Linear Accelerator Purchase
Donation of Property to Bradford Special School District
Donation of Property to Dyersburg State Community College
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(PHOTO: Screenshot of James Ross – West Tennessee Healthcare president/CEO – during Board meeting)
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