Hot Springs Health board meeting

At the August 20 Hot Springs Health board meeting, CEO Scott Alwin discussed two different reviews that were received from patients and their families.  

In the medical staff report, Dr. Mattson Mathey stated that the medical staff meeting is after the Board meeting this week, so he will bring both the August and September medical staff meeting information to the board in September. 

During board education, board members discussed the last two chapters that they read in the book titled “Boards That Lead.”

In the CEO Report, Alwin said an email was sent out about the Pinnacle and Summit awards, with an invitation to nominate individuals or staff members. 

Alwin also said, “The main lobby’s front doors are being replaced in September. The new doors will slide open instead of swinging outwards. Staff will be scheduled to assist as concierges during the installation, guiding visitors and ensuring they reach their destinations safely.”

Alwin continued and said, “Information about the door replacement will be communicated through newspapers, social media, and signage. Contingency plans are in place for after-hours or if the installation takes longer than expected. There is a plan for staff to assist visitors during the day of the installation, with a focus on safety and smooth operation.”

In the Financial Summary, it was reported that in the Net Patient Revenue, the organization generated $2.9 million in net patient revenue for July 2024, marking the first month of the 2025 fiscal year. Despite the revenue, there was a net loss of $17,800 for the month. For Patient Discharges and Days, the volumes of patient discharges and patient days remained consistent with the previous year. For Outpatient Visits: There was a 2% increase in outpatient visits compared to the prior year.

Also, regarding the Medical Staff they had asked that they get to see the current financials, not the prior months’ information. A motion was made to approve Medical Staff to receive the unapproved financials at their meeting prior to approval. The motion was carried unanimously. 

The board discussed the annual Foundation Golf Tournament. The tournament is scheduled for Saturday, September 7.

Regarding the Foundation building update and its completion and occupancy, the foundation building, now called the “Beach House” due to its color, was recently completed in July. The project was a collaborative effort involving Plant Operations and foundation members, with many volunteer hours contributed. The building is near 100% occupancy through the end of December, making it a successful investment.

For its MOU and Property Management, the hospital, Plan OPS, and the foundation are working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish the terms of property management for the building, particularly regarding maintenance.

The board also discussed their grants update. Regarding the SHIP Grant, it is being utilized to pay for survey solutions in collaboration with the Wyoming Department of Health. For the Thermopolis Community Fund Grant, a  $2,200 grant was received from the Thermopolis Community Fund to continue the popular baby pillow project. Also, for the Department of Energy Grant, the organization received approval for a $50,000 federal infrastructure grant from the Department of Energy, Wyoming Energy Authority. The final amount will be determined after an energy audit, which is currently being arranged. The grant aims to fund improvements in hospital lighting, the HVAC system, and potentially the roof, with possible additional improvements like weatherization.

In the HealthTech Report, a mock survey was recently conducted, and Carolyn St. James provided a detailed report on its findings. The speaker expressed satisfaction with the process, noting that it helps maintain focus and organization. The actual survey, which will be unannounced, could occur at any time. The speaker recalled a similar process in March 2022, where a mock survey preceded the state survey, which was completed successfully.

The next CEO meeting is scheduled for November, and it will take place at one of the hospitals instead of a hotel. Dominic Symes of HealthTech believes that holding the meeting at a hospital will encourage cross-pollination of ideas and provide more practical value than previous meetings held in hotels.

Regarding sharing ideas, each CEO is expected to bring two to three successful ideas or initiatives from their hospital to the meeting. The meeting will include 10 CEOs and possibly a few CFOs, and the speaker anticipates that the discussion will be highly beneficial.

In new business, a motion was made to add Natalya Keller, CFO as a signer on all of the bank accounts. The motion was carried unanimously.