HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-0707.HOSPITAL.MIN (ANNUAL)MINUTES OF THE ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
ANNUAL HOSPITAL BOARD GENERAL MEETING
July 7, 1998
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Chairperson Carole %'heeldon called the meeting to order at 6:50 p.m., Civic Center Council Chambers.
ROLL CALL
Councilors Laws, Hauck, Wheeldon, Hagen, and DeBoer were present. Councilor Reid was absent. Mayor Shaw
arrived late.
STATUS OF ASHLAND COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE SERVICES BOARD REPORT
Ashland Community Healthcare Services Administrator Jim Watkins introduced Mike McGraw, Director of
Finance, and Board Chair Mary Ellen Fleeget. He also introduced Board Officers Patty Acklin and Mavis Cloutier
who were in attendance.
Ms. Fleeger listed some of the accomplishments of the past year, noting that the hospital began an Assisted Living
Program and now has twenty-two of the twenty-six available units filled. Cited the purchase of new equipment, the
purchase of several properties near the hospital to facilitate construction of additional medical office buildings; and
the annual meeting of our Home Health Advisory Committee. She emphasized the need for space to house
physicians. Noted that the departments within the hospital have begun in-service presentations to the Board and are
providing tours for the Board members. Noted that the Board provided funding to provide a nurse at Ashland
Middle School, contributed to the S.T.A.R.S. program, contributed to the Community Health Center and the Teen
Theater. Pointed out that the hospital had received a very positive rating by the J.C.A.H.O. accrediting agency. The
hospital also successfully passed an inspection of its Emergency Services Department by State of Oregon Trauma
System surveyors. Concluded that the hospital has done well in meeting the needs of the community.
McGraw noted the hospital's recent growth, Stated that the gross revenues were $27 million in the past year, with
projections for another growth in gross revenues of another $2 million for fiscal year 1999. Noted some areas of
anticipated growth, and stated that the hospital currently employs nearly three hundred employees. Pointed out that
there has been a $1.2 million decrease in "true cash", and explained that this was related to property purchases and a
$1 million expansion to the Surgical Services Department. Concluded that, all in all, the hospital is doing extremely
well.
Watkins noted the challenges ahead in light of recent Balanced Budget Act of 1997. Explained that Medicare
reimbursement will be significantly reduced, as will Medicaid/OR Health Plan funds. Stated that the hospital will
lose $1 million in revenues over the next five years due to the Balanced Budget Act. Also cited referral patterns
between physician groups in the valley as a major challenge for the upcoming year. He thanked the City Council
for their continuing support.
ADJOURNMENT
,The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Submitted by Barbara Christensen, City Recorder/Treasurer
Hospital Board Annual Meeting Minutes