North Big Horn Hospital district on track with financial goals

North Big Horn Hospital’s board of trustees began their monthly board meeting on April 15 with good news from its finance committee.

Board treasurer Todd Simmons began his monthly report by briefing the board on positive financial news.

“I think for the first time we are close to a break-even or better, which is what our board asks for in our mandate,” he said.

Simmons attributed the positive outcome to senior leadership and thanked them for a job well done. Many were present at the meeting.

Board chairman Dave Winterholler welcomed the good news and added that “it’s always nice to have good news like this where we don’t feel we have to ask questions.”

Chief Financial Officer Darcy Robertson reported that the budget for the coming fiscal year is in the process of being “fine-tuned” with minor changes in the works. Winterholler asked in last month’s meeting that the trustees receive a preliminary budget in a timely manner so they have plenty of time to review it before voting at the budget meeting in June.

Several different purchase requests were approved by the trustees, most of which were already included in the current budget. The finance department requested computer equipment, including a new server and backup system with additional storage options. It was approved. Robertson noted that the current setup is at the end of its support and is also running out of space. 

The board also approved the purchase of a few computer devices that needed to be replaced, as they will also no longer be supported by the manufacturer. The purchase will include a mixture of desk and laptop computers.

The trustees approved a request by the emergency department to purchase adult and pediatric training mannequins and other tactical emergency medical supplies to aid in strengthening the ER’s critical care and pediatric readiness programs. The department currently does not have any trauma mannequins for adults, pediatrics or neonates that can be used to simulate emergency resuscitation during training exercises.

In her monthly report, clinic manager Amber James reported 1,186 patient visits to the clinic were completed in March. The target goal for clinic visits is 1,100 visits per month.

The visiting nurse staff (VNS) completed 299 visits in March. James presented a graph of VNS patient visits showing the number of visits for each year since 2018. The graph showed that the number of visits has more than doubled over those years. The program helps keep vulnerable patients at home and away from elevated risk environments. The number of visits last month was the highest number of visits on record, according to the chart. 

Though not a same day clinic, the clinic tries to schedule patients who need same day scheduling as much as possible. James reported that 118 patients were seen on a same day scheduling basis in March.

James also reported 41 patients currently enrolled in the clinic’s chronic care management program. The program helps patients manage chronic health conditions like high blood pressure.

Director of Nursing Michael Henley reported a “downward trend” in respiratory and seasonal illness among patients entering the hospital. He said emergency room providers are following up with patients they admit, which appears to be working well. He also noted that six nurses took an Acute Burn Life Support class and now carry that certification. 

Henley reported 142 infusions were administered last month. He said outreach to oncology providers is ongoing and expects to see the infusion numbers increase.

He also noted that there were 222 hospital admissions in March. Nineteen were admissions that came through the emergency room. 

Surgeries in the operating room were down in March, in large part due to provider vacations during that time. There were 37 procedures. The procedures included robotic surgeries, a cardiology procedure, general surgeries, scopes, gynecological procedures and pain clinic procedures. 

CEO Eric Connell reported that the hospital will be replacing its 13-year-old CT scanner with a new unit. The new unit will have better image quality and faster scans. The upgrade, previously approved by the board, will take about a month to install. He said a mobile CT scanner will maintain service during that time.

Connell noted that New Horizons Care Center has opened 4.5 full-time staff positions to ease staffing pressure and cut overtime. To address the current and upcoming needs he has launched daily staffing “huddles,” and supervisors have resumed call duties to help share the load. He noted that the care center is also developing a weekend call rotation to cover gaps, as well.

Connell announced that new provider Kaitlyn Bresee, PA is seeing patients now. Bresee replaced provider Brenda Arnett, FNP, who completed her contract with the clinic recently. 

Connell also reported that the artificial intelligence software designed to help providers with reporting is now live and the providers “love it.” He said most patients are receptive to the use of the new software during visits.