Hospital considering major projects

POMEROY–Garfield County Hospital District Co–CEO Mat Slaybaugh informed the Garfield County Hospital District Board of Commissioners on October 5, the Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) upgrade and CT scanner housing project budget is estimated at $3,055,000 and expected to reach approximately $3.5 million with the purchase of the CT scanner.

Co-CEO Mat Slaybaugh presented to the board the architect cost projection of $3,055,000 for the proposed HVAC upgrade and new CT Scanner project, which includes the construction of an addition to the hospital to house the CT scanner, but excludes the CT scanner cost. The budget is expected to reach $3.5 million with the addition of the scanner purchase. Slaybaugh stated that the architect included a 10% contingency in the budget, which is a conservative over-estimate from the usual 5% to 6%. He also stated that some of the budget line items were over-estimated as well, done so they would have a cushion for any unforeseen expenses. In addition, some owner costs that will be needed after the completion of the construction, have been estimated at $164,000. However, Slaybaugh considers that too is over-estimated, and should be about $60,000 –$64,000. Slaybaugh went on to express his confidence that the architect can complete the project within budget parameters.

Another expenditure proposed by Slaybaugh is the replacement of the Nurse Call Light System. He determined after researching and obtaining estimates from two service providers, that TekTone is offering the best deal at $115,910. TekTone would be offering service from their Spokane office, and Slaybaugh sees it as they are much easier to work with, and more responsive.

The alternative is Evsco Solutions and Electronics, operating out of Yakima, for a cost estimate of $132,879. He does not consider Evsco as a viable option due to the increased cost, the exclusion of patient pendants in the package, and the exclusivity of all service work performed by Evsco personnel. In addition, because of the significant amount of CARES Act funding remaining, it may be an option to cover the cost of the new system. They would also need to purchase an extended warranty/service agreement for $5,500 per year, excluding any parts or travel expense, but consider it “a good deal.” Slaybaugh stated that it is an expense they will have to pay for eventually, but they can wait until the next meeting to make a decision. Some of the board members will review the proposal to be sure this purchase would not cause a short fall in funds for the HVAC/CT Scanner project.

An unnamed candidate for a Nurse Practitioner position was interviewed recently, Slaybaugh said. She made a site visit, met with two board members, the two Co-CEOs, and the clinic staff. She was offered a two-year contract, and accepted. It will require several weeks to obtain her Washington State licensing and get everything else needing to be processed, so she is not expected to begin working for two to three months. The plans are for her to work two days per week at the clinic and weekends in the Emergency Department. Dr. Park recommended her for the position, but the board questioned that there was no recommendation from the entire medical staff as required, nor a written offer and acceptance. The board approved the offer and acceptance contingent upon receiving medical staff recommendation.

Co-CEO Jayd Keener updated the progress made with Allevant Solutions, the consulting company that is working with the GCHD to develop a high-quality transitional care facility. Training has begun and several online modules have been completed by the nursing staff. The initial phase of the educational proponent has focused on the Allevant system itself, how to run a transitional care program, and specific procedures Allevant requires. The next phase will focus more on the clinical side of transitional care and care quality. At the same time, Allevant is working on the marketing of the new services with some website work, and setting up Zoom meetings with area hospitals who will be a source of referrals of patients.

In an effort to promote the importance of flu vaccines this year, the GCHD has been offering flu shots through drive-through clinics on specific days, which started September 29, 2020. However, they had not received all of the high-dose vaccines for the over-65 patients, and had to postpone one clinic to October 22. A clinic was also held at the school for students and staff on October 8.

Keener stated the GCHD has given 106 COVID-19 tests which have resulted in nine positive cases, and as of October 5, four results were still pending. She also reported that the state’s Labor and Industry office is now requiring health care workers to wear eye protection in the form of a face shield or goggles. The hospital is still deciding which types of protection would be best, because the disposable shields, which cost about $2 each, must be disposed after every shift, which could cause a shortage. The non-disposable shields cost about $20 each. In addition, the staff needs to focus on keeping their distance from each other. Martha Lanman, Public Health Administrator, recommends they keep the current level of visitation to the hospital.

The next meeting is 6 p.m. Monday, November 2, 2020. The public may attend by teleconference.