Highlights from the West Tennessee Healthcare Board of Trustees month meeting, which was held at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, Tuesday.
Special Report
Mike Williams, Director of Safety and Security, provided a special report on the Environment of Care at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.
Medical Staff Privileges
The Board approved recommendations for medical staff privileges at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital was presented by Dr. John Crocker, Chief of Jackson-Madison County General Hospital Medical Staff.
Resolution: Donation of Property
The Board approved a resolution presented by Jeff Blankenship, Chief Financial Officer, to donate unused property located at 208 North Avenue in Henderson, to Chester County to use for administrative services.
Resolution: EMR Conversion
The Board approved a resolution presented by Scott Krodel, Chief Information Officer, to allow for the expansion of the District’s Cerner electronic medical record system to replace the legacy electronic medical record systems at the hospitals in Martin and Dyersburg; and to convert the legal medical record from the Martin and Dyersburg hospital facilities into an accessible archive record management system at a cost of $603,521.00 of budgeted District funds, with annual support costs to be budgeted at $$1,042,302, with $360,000 to be discontinued upon completion of the electronic medical record conversion.
Resolution: Urgent Operational Capital Needs
The Board approved a resolution presented by Jeff Blankenship, CFO, to authorize the President and CFO to purchase urgent capital required during the pandemic up to a limit of $3,000,000 with management reporting and ratification by the Board on a regular basis.
Quality Dashboard Report
Dr. Jackie Taylor, Chief Physician Executive, presented the WTH Quality Dashboard. Dr. Taylor also provided an update on COVID-19 activities.
CFO Report
Jeff Blankenship, CFO, provided a report on the system’s financial performance through June 30, the of the 2020 fiscal year. Volumes and revenue improved significantly in June but remained below budget more than prior to COVID-19. In total for the year, the system posted a loss from operations of ($45.5m), compared with a budgeted operating surplus for the year of $25m or 2.7% of revenue.
The loss is primarily due to the impact of COVID-19, with volume and revenue drops in the first few months and additional cost throughout to prepare for and operate during the pandemic.
The system’s non-operating income (investment income, interest expense, etc.) was impacted significantly by the receipt of relief funding through the CARES Act. With over $68m in relief funding included, total non-operating activity was positive, at $53.3m.
President’s Report
James Ross, president and CEO, commended the entire organization on performance during this challenging time and the ability to adjust and adapt quickly. He thanked the Board for the trust they have in the organization in taking care of a large number of COVID patients.
Mr. Ross reported that PrimeCare in Selmer sustained flood damage recently, and he commended everyone involved in getting the clinic back up and running quickly.
Chairman of the Board, Curtis Mansfield, expressed his sincere appreciation to the entire team for all of their work during this time as well.
(PHOTO: James Ross, West Tennessee Healthcare president/CEO)
