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SCBH CEO’s Report – December, 2012

Board Education Program – Keith Thompson, CRNA, presented information on his pain management program to the SCBH Governing Board at its November 26 meeting.  He reviewed his plans with the medical staff in October and the medical staff recommended implementation of the program at SCBH which the governing board approved at its October meeting.  Keith is son-in-law to the late Dr. Richard and Florence Griffin.  The board also approved purchase of a C-arm injection table necessary for the provision of this service. Keith started treating patients in November.

Project Update – The contractor is completing the installation of the exterior plywood on both the clinic and the PT department. Also, they are working on installing the Tyvek sheathing on the PT area and the clinic as they complete the plywood installation. The roofer has most of the clinic roof completed and has started placing the gyp board on the acoustical decking on the PT area. The mason is on site and is building the mock up panels and is starting to install his 1” insulation on the outside of the building over the Tyvek. The electrician is running his conduit in the exterior walls so that the exterior boxes are roughed in for the mason and the contractor can start to heat the building and install the interior walls with insulation. The contractor estimates the building will be enclosed and ready for heating by the end of next week.

2013 Operating Budget – The 2013 Operating Budget Assumptions were approved by the governing board at its October meeting. The 2013 Operating Budget will be brought to the finance committee for review and to the governing board for approval at the December board meeting.

Equipment Update – The installation of the wireless system has, for the most part, been completed which will be much appreciated by both patients and visitors. The 800 mhz radios have been installed and programmed and are ready for staff training. The injection table for the pain clinic has been delivered.

Strategic Planning Update – The strategic planning committee reviewed a progress report on the strategic initiatives approved for 2012. The initial draft of the marketing plan for the balance of this year and 2013 was reviewed with the department managers and with the strategic planning committee and an overview of the plan was presented at the October governing board meeting.

We have reviewed the initial list of proposed activities developed by our marketing consultant, Mary Downs, for our 100^th Anniversary and we will be scheduling a meeting in early December to have Mary visit with the foundation and auxiliary boards to discuss this information in greater detail. Emerald Eve/2013 will focus on SCBH’s 100^th Anniversary.

Operating Room Supervisor Change – Helen Claussen, Operating Room Supervisor, will be retiring December 15.  We conducted a comprehensive search process and are pleased to announce that Cindy Kanten, Surgical Services RN, will be our new OR Supervisor.  We thank Helen for the service she has provided to SCBH and look forward to working with Cindy in her new role.

Retirement Recognition – In addition to Helen’s impending retirement, Kathy Walsh, longtime nursing department LPN will be retiring December 7, after 46 years at SCBH.  There will be a retirement recognition open house for Helen and Kathy on Thursday, December 13 at Noon in Conference Room A/B.

Christmas Decorating – The members of the SCBH Auxiliary will be putting up Christmas decorations this week.  We always appreciate the commitment of the auxiliary and SCBH Foundation to SCBH.

OB Update – Holly Rodahl and Sarah Helmberger are working on developing the protocols and standards for the nursing department. Holly has also developed a tentative schedule for program implementation which includes staff training at Rice and other details. We will be meeting with Beth Jackson and her anesthesia team to establish anesthesia protocols as well.  Dr. Dammeyer will join the board via conference phone at the December meeting to provide an update on his activities and his experiences thus far in his fellowship.

Andrew Falk Visit – Chuck and I had the opportunity to visit with State Representative Andrew Falk and his wife, Marnie, earlier this month.  Andrew had requested the opportunity to meet and it provided an opportunity to discuss our concerns about the legislation regarding proposed mandatory staffing ratios and other issues involving the state legislature.  We invited Andrew to attend an upcoming board meeting to discuss issues of interest to him and he indicated he is always interested in visiting with the various hospital governing boards.

Grounds Work – The drought and runoff from snow melting chemicals have resulted in irreparable damage to some grass areas around the front entrance.  Jim Moeding had those areas replaced with rock and mulch which definitely improved the appearance of the front entrance.

SCBH Auxiliary Learn For Life – The SCBH Auxiliary’s annual Learn for Life event took place on Thursday, November 1, at the First Evangelical Free Church in Benson. The speaker, Gail Svor, SCBH Home Health Director and Certified Diabetes Educator, presented the program on diabetes prevention which was well received by those in attendance.  Thank you to our SCBH Auxiliary for providing this excellent educational opportunity for our community.

December SCBH Governing Board Meeting – The SCBH Governing Board scheduled its December meeting for Thursday, December 20.  The regular meeting date would have been Monday, December 31, and the date of the meeting was moved up to avoid the holidays.

Appleton Prison Resolution – Rob Wolfington made the governing board aware of a potential opportunity to house federal prisoners in the Appleton prison. The governing board approved sending a resolution in support of this opportunity for Appleton to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.