Hospital board approves reappointments, sets strategic goals for women’s health

The Lovell Hospital Board took significant steps during its recent meeting, approving several key reappointments and outlining strategic goals that prioritize the community’s need for enhanced women’s health services.

In the meeting, the board approved the reappointment of medical staff privileges for Dr. Matthew Beeton, DO, and Dr. Christina Kavran, DO, ensuring continuity of care in their respective specialties. Advanced practice professional privileges were also reappointed for Michael Asay, PA-C, and Heather Moretti, SLP, reflecting the board’s confidence in their continued contributions to patient care.

New medical staff privileges were granted to Marco Bruno Thierry, MD, following recommendations from the medical staff. This decision highlights the hospital’s ongoing efforts to expand and diversify its healthcare team, CEO Eric Connell said.

A focal point of the meeting was the board’s discussion on expanding women’s health services, a critical need in the Lovell community. With a growing demand for specialized care, particularly in obstetrics and gynecology, the board recognized the strategic importance of this initiative.

The addition of a women’s health service development goal to the hospital’s organizational priorities underscores the board’s commitment to addressing this need, Connell said. The board requested a feasibility analysis and pro forma to evaluate the potential for bringing a dedicated OB-GYN provider to the area. This move reflects the hospital’s aim to ensure that women in Lovell have access to comprehensive, advanced healthcare services close to home.

The board also expressed interest in ensuring that any new women’s health provider could fully utilize the hospital’s existing robotic surgery capabilities. This would allow for the provision of state-of-the-art gynecological procedures, enhancing the quality of care available to local residents.

The board approved the purchase of new glucometers and middleware to integrate these devices with the hospital’s Cerner data management system. This investment, which falls within the budgeted amount, will improve the hospital’s ability to monitor and manage patient health data.

Financial oversight was another key topic, with the board approving the scope of work for the upcoming audit by ECA, the hospital’s current auditor. Additionally, the board reviewed the impact of a significant $122,000 entry on the balance sheet, emphasizing the need for thorough understanding and management of such financial occurrences.

Looking ahead, the board discussed plans for a strategic planning retreat tentatively scheduled for September 18 or 19. The retreat will focus on the hospital’s 3–5-year plan, with an emphasis on service expansion and quality improvement.

The board’s actions during this meeting demonstrate a clear commitment to advancing healthcare services in Lovell, with a particular focus on meeting the growing needs of the local population.