Feasibility study planned for hospital

At the Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees meeting on Oct. 24, the board approved moving ahead with a feasibility study for the planned renovation and expansion of the hospital.

CEO Margie Molitor explained a feasibility study is required before any project seeking funding, and is a routine part of the process. During the study, an individual will come in to determine if the hospital will be able to afford the project.

The bid for the study was awarded to Eade Bailey. Molitor noted the firm will also do a cost report, and is familiar with the hospital’s operation. Results from the study will be presented to the hospital in the next 60 to 90 days.

Also during the meeting, Chief Nursing Officer Sarah Aliff reported the lab recently had their Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) inspection, and an action plan has been accepted and submitted to address any deficiencies. Regarding the blood utilization review, Aliff said, they continue to work on the process and criteria for blood administration. Infection prevention and education is ongoing as well.

Aliff pointed out hand washing compliance is declining, as staff are not “gelling” in or out of patient rooms. Aliff noted there are “secret shoppers” monitoring staff as they go in and out of the rooms, and there will be on the spot corrections when necessary. Pace reports will be ongoing for hand washing compliance.

Aliff noted sometimes when staff “gel in” but don’t “gel out,” they wash their hands prior to leaving. Molitor said if they don’t touch anything in the room and are simply talking to a patient, they don’t need to gel out. Dr. Jason Weyer noted there are times when he gels out of a room and goes directly into the room next door, and gelling in is not required in such cases.

Regarding education, Aliff reported there is a big fallout with regard to orientation within 30 days not being completed. There has been an increase from 50 to 83 percent in this area, and emails are being sent out for people who are 30 days overdue.

Aliff said the hospital would partner with Red Rock Family Practice and the high school for an outbreak management tabletop drill, which is an education opportunity for staff as well as the community.

Regarding flu season, Aliff said flu shots and documentation have already started and the hospital is in compliance with them.