CEO Rex Jones told the Bradley County Medical Center Board during their regular meeting March 4th that he has plans to meet with officials of Arkansas State University to discuss ways BCMC might fit into the schools plans to begin a medical D.O. program. Arkansas State is actively working to begin a medical school and is looking for ways that local hospitals can help. Mr. Jones hopes to meet with Dr. Speights and Dr. Ross-Lee next week to discuss a possible cooperative arrangement.
The BCMC Board meet on March 4th due to having to cancel the meeting as originally set for February 26th. Four of the board members were present for the meeting. In addition to reporting on the planned meeting with ASU, Rex Jones commended the entire hospital staff for handling the inclement weather our community has recently experienced. A number of employees came in and spent the night at the hospital in order to assure a sufficient staff was on hand to handle patients at all times. He also reported on a grant for $126,000 to purchase a state of the art simulation mannequin for training in obstetric deliveries. Mr. Jones reported on the positive impact of the state's Private Option Insurance Program to the hospital.
Head of Nursing Tiffany Holland reported on staffing, childbirth classes being provided, medication verification compliance and an agreement signed with South Arkansas College to allow the school to send students to the Senior Care Unit to complete clinical requirements. South Ark teaches classes at the Brunson Complex located on North Bragg Street.
Chief Financial Officer Brandon Gorman gave the monthly financial report along with the Home Health program update. He reported the hospital had a net gain of $182,107.00 in January, 2015 and that the use of the hospital was up considerably. It was noted that for several days the rooms were full to capacity. The board spent a good amount of time asking questions and discussing ways to better and more quickly get bills processd and collected to increase cash flow. While progress has been made there is more work to be done to make the procedures more efficient. Mr. Gorman stated that the physical therapy department located at the Brunson Complex is doing well and good reports are being received about their work.
On a vote of four to zero, the board voted to increase the hospital's Directors & Officers Liability and Employment Practices Liability insurance from $2 million to $3 million for each. This will increase the insurance premium from $11,,850 to $14,881 per year.
The board was informed that the hospital sales tax account stands at $2,541,000. Sales tax funds are used only for equipment and construction.
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