Reprinted from the Drew Memorial Newsletter

Hero of the Month – Michele Lowe from Medical Records was the Health Hero of the Month. She went over and beyond the call of duty for no personal gain of her own in providing assistance to a fellow employee who was in a car wreck. Michele assisted her in many of her daily living activities at home helping her not only during her time of crises but enabling her to return to work sooner.

Financial Report – YTD July 2010; for July the hospital had a gain of $188,074 and YTD gain $393,783 compared to $149,020 and $283,206 YTD last year.

The 340B Program is a government program and drug discount program that reduces cost for providing drugs for indigent care. We will implement this pharmacy program within the next month. This will provide an estimated cost reduction of $100,000.

The hospital will enter into a consulting agreement with a natural gas company which will provide savings in the purchase of natural gas for the hospital during the coming winter months. This will provide an estimated cost savings of $40,000.

The board was updated on the hospital being on time in meeting all requirements to issues bonds the $14 million loan to carry out modernization program. The hospital, the attorneys and architects are all hitting the timelines in anticipation that the bonds and loan agreement will be made by the end of November 2010. The Pre/Post Operating area in surgery awaits work to be done by Griffin Heating and Air and Rick Anthony plumbing, so that construction can begin. The two vendors Griffin and Anthony are providing services to us to have our modular buildings ready to accommodate certain educational and department management offices.

A report was delivered to the board by Misty Rogers outlining the Home Health Business plan for 2010. The board received the report outlining significant changes in financial position, especially in the accounts receivable area. Improvements in all operations and quality areas. The board commended Mrs. Rogers on her efforts and look forward to all many improvements in the future of operations and customer service excellence.

Dr. Tedesco began work at Drew Memorial Hospital as he joined the practice with Dr. Sidney Collins and will be providing coverage for the next several months in general/cosmetic surgery to all in Drew County and surrounding areas.

The board was informed that the medical staff of Drew Memorial Hospital and administration is working with Mainline Clinic through Mr. Allan Nichols to improve communications for admissions to the hospital after hours and on weekends. 

New Product Lines – The board was informed that the hospital is looking into new product lines hyperbaric chamber, lithotripsy services, and sleep center. 

The Annual Southeast Arkansas Health Foundation Charity Benefit will be held on October 5th at 6:30 pm at the Monticello County Club. All board members were encouraged to make donations to foundation which is taking proceeds from this event and donating them to the hospital to go toward the purchase of a new mammography unit.

A 64 Slice CT and Mammography Unit were approved for purchase.

They were honored for going over and beyond the call of duty for no personal gain. Both helped a fellow employee for several weeks while recovering from an automobile accident. Preparing food, cleaning house, taking out the trash, transporting to Wal-mart, and to/ from hospital , even walking the dog, to mention a few of the many ways they volunteered their time to assist a fellow employee in her time of need. 

Great job, Kay and Brittany.

The final audited results for the fiscal year ending March 2010 were presented. Bill Couch reported that Drew Memorial Hospital’s income from operations was $1,567,662. This is a change over reported operating income of $811,567 in 2009 and a reported operating loss of (311,850) in 2008.

The timeline for securing the financing for the Phase 1 modernization is proceeding according to plan. If all goes well the bonds will be issued and construction will begin by December 1, 2010.

New offices in the modular building are close to completion. If all goes according to plan the new pre post op area should be completed by January 1, 2011.

The County plans to begin construction of the new road coming into the hospital, which will make room for the new allied health building, within the next few weeks.

The board approved payment to all employees who are qualified for the annual performance bonus to be paid out August 6th pay roll. This will come in the form of a separate check.

The board approved a profit share payout to all qualified employees who worked at DMH in 2009 for the contribution all employees made to a very successful year. A profit sharing bonus of $100,000 to be distributed equally among those qualified employees (around $625.00 each). 

Mainline Clinic has opened for business and is providing services to those patients who have low income or no access to insurance. A meeting was held with the Mainline Clinic physician and the medical staff to discuss improved communication between Mainline and the medical staff. 

The hospital is beginning to distribute patient satisfaction surveys for the emergency room. Surveys to follow will be done in outpatient, physicians and employees. These surveys will allow the hospital to find out where satisfaction is high and any areas that may need to be improved. 

It was announced that Mr. Ray Lee is the new Director of Environmental Services. 

The board was informed that the hospital will bring a request to purchase or lease a new 64 Slice CT at the August meeting.  Also, we hope to purchase new mammography equipment in November or December.

We have a fundraising project for the mammography equipment through the hospital foundation and all employees, physicians and friends of the hospital are encouraged to make a donation which is tax deductible to the Foundation for the mammography equipment. The Foundations goal is to raise $100,000 toward the purchase of mammography equipment, with a total purchase price of $350,000.

Here are some family-friendly dietary tips that can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

1. Drink Fewer sugar-sweetened drinks.
2. Use heart healthy unsaturated oils (like olive, canola, or corn) instead of solid fats (like butter or margarine) when cooking.
3. Pay attention to the serving sizes and servings per container information on labels when choosing which foods to eat or buy.
4. Try to incorporate vegetables and/or fruits at every meal.
5. Eat fish twice a week.
6. Remove the skin before eating or cooking with chicken or turkey, and remove visible fat from beef.
7. Limit high-calorie sauces, dressings, and gravies. Order these on the side and use sparingly.
8. Use non-fat (skim) or low-fat milk and dairy products daily.

Re-printed from the Drew Memorial Hospital newsletter.

The first phase of the plan includes a 24,000 square foot Allied Health Building which will house a sleep center, intensive outpatient psychology clinic, a hematology and oncology clinic, conference and training space, and occupational, speech and physical therapy. The building will also have shell space to allow for expansion. The estimated cost for the building is $6 million.

In addition to the Allied Health Building, a new 49 bed inpatient nursing unit will be constructed at an estimated cost of $8 million.

The final component of phase one is additional space for surgery, obstetrics, gynecology and a central plant. The surgery addition is expected to cost $10.6 million.

Construction of phase one is expected to begin in the spring of 2011. The project is being funded with a low-interest federal loan, loans from local banks, and hospital revenue.

Phases two through five include projects such as a new imaging center, emergency room, lab and respiratory therapy space, additional inpatient beds, and a cancer treatment center.

“This is a well thought out plan,” commented Michael Layfield, DMH administrator. “It allows us to be nimble. We can add any phase in any sequence we choose. And, we well may want to change the sequences based on ever changing advances in medical technology, federal regulations, and the needs of the medical community.”

Bond Ordinance for $12 million USDA Loan and $2 million Local Bank Loan – This past week an ordinance was presented allowing the hospital to work through the Quorum Court to secure a total of $14 million in loan money to begin Phase 1 of the modernization program. The Quorum Court approved the ordinance.

An Architectural Master Construction plan was presented projecting the cost by phase for the complete modernization program. This was presented in the form of a Master Site Plan, Master Facility Plan and Architectural Sketch.

The total cost of Phase 1 will be $24,625,000. The complete Master Facility Plan will cost approximately $44,375,000 and an additional $6,700,000 if Radiation Therapy is added; for a total cost of the complete modernization plan of $51 million.

An update was given to the board regarding progress on the pre/post op operating room construction. The three modular buildings are in place which will assist in housing department heads. This will allow construction to begin on the new pre/post op area. Pharmacy and the education classroom will be relocated as part of this project

Jeff Darnell with the maintenance department was presented as health hero of the month. Jeff was sighted for going over and beyond the call of duty in meeting one of our hospital’s major goals; customer service excellence. Jeff has been witnessed many times throughout the hospital assisting patients, giving directions and providing wheelchairs. No matter where he is or what he has been doing he always asked the patient or visitor if he can help them and always leaves them with the question; “Is there anything else I can do for you,” with a big smile on his face. In addition, Jeff paints the curb at the front entrance of the hospital every morning. Remember our Health Hero receives $100, a parking space and in the running for Hero of the Year, which is more prizes, awards and recognition.

CNO Chuck Reynolds reported to the board that we are closer to realization of automated medication system. He has been working on the revision of nursing processes by the update of paperwork. We have received two Dynamap monitoring machines. Last, we have employed 4 new RNs graduates from UAM that live in Monticello and 2 RNs that have moved back to Monticello.

The Pharmacy and Accounting departments are working together to implement a 340B program which is a government program that will save the hospital approximately $200,000 – 300,000 through replacement of drugs.

The new roof on the hospital has been installed and completed. So far to date we have found “no leaks” after several rain storms.

Drew Memorial Hospital is looking at the possibility of adding Lithotripsy service to the hospital. Dr. Jacks and Dr. Lupo are being consulted as to the possibility.

Jeff Darnell, a member of the maintenance team here at DMH, has many skills that he uses to complete the daily tasks here around the hospital.

The most important skill that Jeff demonstrates is customer service. Jeff has been witnessed many times assisting patients throughout the hospital. Jeff does not hesitate to take time from his busy work schedule to assist patients with directions or assist patients who need a wheelchair.

Thanks Jeff for showing us how to show care and compassion for our customers. Congratulations!!

As you make plans to honor your father, stepfather, or forefathers; let’s all pause for a moment and think about what your father has done for you or is currently doing, in his role as a father. And all fathers, you need to think about your role too. Fathers play a very important role in the development and lives of their children. They are best friends, mentors, coaches, protectors; typically providing mental, physical, spiritual and financial support. A father influences the shape and direction of a child’s character and values by giving respect, care, love, discipline, encouragement, guidance, being there to just talk to, ask a question and leading through example.

Fathers, as you are honored by your children, your wife or friends, on Father’s day, think of your role and what’s expected of you as a father. Don’t sit back, smile and respond with a “Thank You”, when someone wishes you a Happy Father’s Day. Raising children and being a father in this day and time is a daunting task.

How would you score as a Dad, on a scale of one to five, 1 being poor and 5 being the best? If you score high, don’t forget the old saying,” behind every great man is a great woman”- So, be sure to thank your wife, for helping (pushing, even nagging) you be a great Father. If you are not a five (5), refocus yourself and commit to the success and well being of your children.

Raising a child requires significant time, effort, sacrifice and it is one of the most joyous and fulfilling experiences a man can ever know! As a child grows, matures, gains self-reliance and independence; a fathers unfailing love, effort, commitment and some may say “Hard Work” comes to fruition. My dad said to me on many occasions, how proud he was of me, not only when I was successful; but when I lost or failed. He would say “It’s not if you win or lose its how you played the game”- of course he quickly followed with “Now get back out there and win the darn ballgame”. He also said, “You will be successful in any endeavor win or lose, as lessons are always learned from any experience- good or bad”. “Carry something good away from every experience.” Sometimes “it’s not how you get knocked down but how you get back up counts most in life”- another of his favorite sayings.

As I left the house one day, on a life’s adventure, I told my dad “Not to worry I would make him proud” his response remains with me to this day. “Don’t look to make me proud, make yourself proud first”. I had to think about that and what he meant… I know now, after being very proud of an accomplishment, and my actions. Also, not so proud of certain actions, decisions and things said (perhaps not said). I think what he meant was: If at the end of the day; you can look back on every action and effort you took or made, everything you did, said about yourself or about someone and can honestly say, I am proud of myself, my father would always be proud of me. Another favorite saying of his when he was unsure of how to advise me “always try to do the right thing”.

It’s been 10 years since I lost my father and I am jealous of you who have your father to personally honor and tell them Happy Father’s Day. So please do so. Since you have gone, my life as a father has been beautiful, interesting and at the same time challenging and difficult. I struggle daily to make myself proud, instilling in my children and others your words, “To make myself proud first”, always trying to do the right thing first, win or lose — now knowing thru this effort – you were always proud of me.

Happy Father’s Day dad!

Mike Layfield, DMH CEO,
Reprinted from DMH Newsletter.