NBHH looks ahead to upgrades amid strong financial report

Clinic now able to accommodate 95 percent of same day requests

The North Big Horn Hospital Board of Trustees reviewed strong financial performance, equipment needs, facility planning and service growth during its regular meeting last week, while also taking time to discuss how the hospital tells its story to the community.

During the financial report, board treasurer Todd Simmons said March was “a really strong month,” noting that it was only the second month in hospital history with revenues in excess of $5 million. He said the hospital was “basically breaking even for the month” and continues to track well for the year.

Simmons said the hospital’s cash position also improved, with days of cash on hand increasing from 159 days last month to 170 days. He said the hospital could be “north of 200 days cash on hand” by next month, though future capital needs will require continued planning.

The board approved the purchase of a new ultrasound table after hospital staff reported that the current table can no longer move into a sitting position and can no longer be serviced. Staff said some patients currently have to be propped up with pillows and wedges during certain exams.

Trustees also approved the purchase of a replacement ventilator. Staff said two older ventilators can no longer be recertified, and a third is in need of repair. The new ventilator had been included in the contingent budget and will cost about $15,000 before a grant reduces the net cost to about $10,000.

The board spent considerable time discussing a proposed hospital flooring project. Two pricing options were presented, with the larger project estimated at about $785,000 after a State Loan and Investment Board contribution. The broader scope would replace flooring through much of the hospital, excluding areas such as the emergency room and radiology where flooring has already been replaced.

Board members expressed support for the project but concern about the process. Simmons said he was not opposed to the improvement but believed a project of that size should first go through the finance committee and be considered alongside other capital needs.

“To spring a million-dollar improvement on a building in a board meeting with zero review, zero consideration, not running it through a finance committee,” Simmons said, “I’m not opposed to the improvement, but let’s just go through the process.”

The board voted to table the flooring decision until it can receive further review.

Clinic strong

Clinic volume also remained strong. Clinic manager Amber James reported 1,481 patient visits in March, including 271 new patients. She said the clinic accommodated 95 same-day requests during the month, helping reduce the number of patients needing to visit the emergency room. James also noted that first-quarter survey scores for helpful, courteous and respectful office staff came in at 97%.

The board also discussed future workforce needs and local student opportunities. Hospital leaders noted that Lovell High School is developing an internship program modeled after Cody’s program, and the hospital has already committed to being involved.

“We’re hoping that maybe by next year we’ll be able to get this off the ground a little bit and get some students in here for a full semester, if not a full-year internship,” Human Resources Director Kirsten Bryson said.

Board members also discussed the possibility of hiring local high school or college students in summer positions, including in the care center, dietary, grounds or other departments.

Simmons also praised the Lovell Chronicle for its coverage of the hospital and encouraged the district to think about how it can support and strengthen that relationship.

“I think that we would all agree that the Lovell Chronicle does a really, really good job for the hospital in covering the meetings, covering the public relations, the publicity, the marketing, those aspects,” Simmons said.

He added that the relationship should be “symbiotic” and said the hospital should consider whether it is doing enough to communicate its expanded services to the public.

Compliance officer Kathy Walker reported that the hospital’s new sleep lab recently completed its first accreditation survey and “passed with flying colors, no deficiencies.” She also said the hospital is hopeful it can add another half day of MRI availability sometime in June as demand continues to grow.

The board also reviewed ongoing facility planning. Representatives from A&E recently spent several days on site evaluating hospital departments and space needs as part of the district’s long-term master planning process.