An uptick in flu cases, Influenza A and B, and respiratory infections have given Allen County Regional Hospital a more typical start to the new year, CEO Tony Thompson told county commissioners Tuesday.
“We’re full,” Thompson said, in answer to a question about number of patients. January of 2016 was opposite, he added.
Best way to avoid the malady, he said, “is to wash your hands with soap and water. Stay clean,” and get a flu shot each fall.
Thompson said 95 babies were born at ACHS during 2016, 10 more than in 2015. Thompson said the medical community is trying to recruit an OB/GYN to ensure more expectant mothers receive their care here. Thompson said Dr. Rebecca Lohman “intends to transition away from deliveries in 2018.”
With more patients visiting ACHS clinics, one in Iola and another that opened late last year in Humboldt, the hospital has had fewer emergency room patients. An ACHS clinic will open in Moran later this year. JoAnna Curl, a physician’s assistant who is full time now in Humboldt, will also be at the Moran clinic. Curl is a Moran native.
A key addition to the hospital in March will be an orthopedist who specializes in pain treatment, including implant of an electronic stimulator. A balloon procedure to relieve pain caused by spinal problems is another practice feature, Thompson said. The hospital is also actively recruiting a trauma orthopedist who is leaving an area hospital.
“We — all hospitals — have a lot of questions of what is going to happen at the state and federal levels,” the administrator said, and keeping tabs is important because changes can occur quickly.
Thompson pointed out the hospital had to draw on reserves during 2016 because of lagging admissions, but said 2017 is off to a good start and may be a better year financially. What governing bodies do is important because the bulk of hospital patients pay their bills through the aid of Medicare and Medicaid programs.
A committee continues to discuss erecting a medical arts building on the hospital campus, and “a capital (fundraising) committee was just formed,” Thompson said.
Commissioner Jerry Daniels said he had been asked about a number of advertisements portraying neighboring hospitals as preferred choices of patients. “Do you have a public relations person?” Daniels asked Thompson.
Thompson said such a person was being considered, who also would be involved in fundraising.
He cautioned ACHS is a $46 million organization while Chanute’s Neosho County Regional Medical Center is in the $180 million category, which makes cost of personnel and advertising more easily accomplished.
IN OTHER business, commissioners:
— Put aside until later a decision on adopting a new software program for public safety responders: 911, dispatch, the jail and county and cities officers. Initial cost mentioned was in excess of $88,000; annual maintenance another $28,000. It would replace a system that has been in place for 14 years, and has been a source of concern, both Sheriff Bryan Murphy and Iola Chief of Police Jared Warner attested. Commissioner Tom Williams suggested the county pay all upfront costs, with maintenance costs apportioned to various users plus a surcharge to offset a small portion of startup.
— Embraced unanimously a proposal by Iola to make Michael Burnett Emergency Medical Service director, moving him from the interim position.
— Mentioned in passing was improvement to ambulance stations in Humboldt and Moran. “We’re going to do something,” Daniels said.
