The West Tennessee Healthcare Board of Trustees met virtually Tuesday, September 29.

Dr. Matthew Graham of Jackson Radiology Associates provided a special report on treating pulmonary embolism in Jackson.

Jeff Blankenship, Chief Financial Officer, gave an update on the organization’s financial performance through August, representing the first two months of the fiscal year.

The numbers slightly improved from prior months, with patient volumes continuing to rise in more acute settings.

Year to-date through August, revenue is very consistent with budget and expense is up 3%. The system continues to experience greater cost than expected due to COVID-19, driving most of the overage in expense.

With the cost variance, the system’s operating margin year to-date was 0% vs. 2.4% budgeted and in the prior year.

James Ross, President and CEO, recognized the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation and staff.

Mr. Ross also thanked Dr. Claude Pirtle and Scott Krodel and their teams for their work in bringing telemedicine visits and remote patient monitoring online quickly.

Mr. Ross welcomed new Chief Medical Officer of JMCGH, Dr. Vinay Pallekonda. He also thanked the medical staff leadership for their hard work.

Mr. Ross also expressed condolences for the families and departments who have lost co-workers recently due to COVID-19 and other illnesses.

Tina Prescott, Chief Operating Officer, reported James Ross was recently recognized by THA and AHA as Grassroots Champion for the work that he does in our community.

(PHOTO: Curtis Mansfield, WTH Board of Trustees chairman of the board)