Rooks County Health Center 2019 annual meeting minutes
(The following article is taken from the approved minutes of the annual Rooks County Health Center meeting held on May 3rd, 2019. The minutes were approved at this year’s annual meeting held on May 1st, 2020.)
The 65th annual meeting of the Rooks County Health Center (RCH) was held at 6:00 p.m. on May 3rd, 2019 in the Rooks County Health Center HIM Conference Room.
Jeff Van Dyke, Board Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Board members present were Charles Comeau, Michael Oller, MD and Jon Voss. Also present were Anthony Thomas, Chief Executive Officer; Frank Rajewski, Chief Financial Officer, William Stahl, Chief Operating Officer; Pam Harmon, Chief Nursing Officer, Stephanie Bjornstad, Quality Coordinator/Risk Manager, Eric Sumearll, Rooks County Healthcare Foundation; Diane McReynolds, Auxiliary President, Shirley Comeau, Bill Harmon, Karen and Nolan Sinclair and June Karlin, recording secretary.
Jon Voss made a motion to approve the minutes. Charles Comeau seconded the motion. No further discussion took place. Motion carried 3-0.
Anthony Thomas presented the 2018 Financial Summary and Operating Report. Thomas reported the gross operating revenue of $25,940,723.00 in 2018 was an increase from the previous year. Expenses reflected an increase of eight percent from the previous year. The mill levy rate increased in 2018, but generated approximately the same funds as the previous year. Mill levy support received is used towards employee benefits.
Thomas noted in May 2018 the hospital refinanced $9,940,000.00 of existing debt, which resulted in a net savings of more than $300,000.00 over the life of the bonds; temporary bonds of $7,000,000.00 for funding of the Rehabilitation Expansion and Interior Renovation were procured in June and in August, New Market Tax Credits were secured, which netted the hospital approximately $1,000,000.00 for the MRI and Rehabilitation Center expansion.
Michael Oller, MD joined the meeting at 6:07 p.m.
Thomas reported investments made in the Radiology Department over the past ten years has attributed to the growth seen in the department. MRI procedures have almost doubled since the completion of the MRI project in 2017.
Anthony Thomas presented the facility highlights. Per Thomas, joint replacement surgeries are the primary diagnosis for acute admission so far in 2019.
RCH continues to be a leader in the state for Sepsis detection and early intervention.
2018 proved to be the “Year of Surveys” for the facility. RCH successfully completed the KDHE Articles of Participation Survey, State and Federal Fire Marshal Surveys, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Inspection, Radiology and an Emergency Preparedness Survey.
Thomas announced he is particularly proud of the employees’ community involvement. The employees have raised more than $4,700.00 for the area food pantries and to assist families in the community.
Diane McReynolds, Auxiliary President, provided a report on the activities of the RCH Auxiliary. The Auxiliary hosted several successful fundraisers which raised more than $14,000.00. The Auxiliary donated $10,000.00 towards RCH’s Phase II Expansion Project, held multiple Red Cross Blood drives, purchased CPR Kits for newborn babies, and awarded $2,200.00 in scholarships to assist Rooks County residents to obtain health care education.
Eric Sumearll, Rooks County Healthcare Foundation Executive Director, reported on the projects and fundraising activities the Foundation participated in during 2018. The Foundation provided funding for a Zoll AED for the Stockton Recreation Commission, Hush Curtains for the RCH PACU, and Stop the Bleed kits for all Rooks County schools, transportation service, and law enforcement. The Foundation provided a total of $164,000.00 in 2018 for the funding of Phase II.
The Rooks County Cancer Council, under the guidance of the Foundation, provided support materials, fuel vouchers and nutritional supplements to cancer patients in Rooks County. In 2018 the Cancer Council provided assistance to seventeen (17) individuals from Rooks County. Van Dyke expressed his gratitude towards the Auxiliary and Foundation for their financial support and the assistance they have provided to Rooks County Health Center.
Anthony Thomas presented the 2018 CAH Annual Evaluation Report to the Board. The Annual Evaluation is a thorough review of the quality program and services provided by the hospital. Jeff Van Dyke made a motion to approve the 2018 CAH Annual Evaluation Report as presented. Michael Oller seconded the motion. No further discussion took place. The motion carried 4-0.
The term of two board members, Charles Allphin and Charles Comeau expired. Van Dyke, Chairperson, explained the election procedures. Applications were received by the incumbents for the open board positions. The electors were given the opportunity to vote. The ballots were counted with Allphin and Comeau being elected unanimously to the board.Van Dyke conducted the swearing-in of Charles Comeau.
Van Dyke called for the election of the board officers. Charles Comeau made a motion to elect Jeff Van Dyke as chairperson, Jon Voss as vice-chair, and Charles Allphin as secretary. Michael Oller seconded the motion. No further discussion took place. Motion carried 4-0. The next annual meeting will be held May 1st, 2020.
Michael Oller made a motion to adjourn. Jon Voss seconded the motion. No further discussion took place. Motion carried 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m.
