Judith Norris, President of the Hospital’s Board of Directors, said leadership is encouraged with the progress made over the year.
“We are fortunate to have many components in place for success,” she said.
Norris cited a solid management team, review of key areas and development of plans for improvements, and ongoing community support as factors positioning the hospital for continued progress. Maintenance of low debt has also put the hospital in a better position to ride through some bumpy periods.
Some of the areas the hospital is working to address now and in the future are physician recruitment, service development, technology upgrades, and upgrades to the physical plant in addition to addressing financial issues.
Norris and other hospital leaders praised the contribution of the hospital’s medical staff, board of directors, employees, auxiliary, development council and volunteers in the hospital’s performance.
Accomplishments noted by Walter S. Van Dyke, CEO included the recruitment of new physicians, Kishor Patel, M.D. Pediatrician and George Cummings, D.O. General Surgeon. Fidelis Ejianreh, D.O., family medicine physician opened a part-time office in Bellmeade in January 2004 that has grown to a full-time practice. This extends the presence of the hospital’s medical staff within northern Blair County.
The hospital also repositioned its rehabilitation services through a partnership with ProCare Health Services, Inc. The relationship with ProCare will increase the rehabilitation services available at the hospital and support the development of additional rehab and wellness programs.
The hospital reinforced its management staff by hiring a permanent Chief Financial Officer, a Chief Information Officer and a Director of Human Resources.
In a review of the hospital’s financial performance, George Berger, Chief Financial Officer reported the hospital had an operating loss of $1,716,252.
“While the hospital did record a loss again this year, it is important to note the loss was a 45 percent improvement compared to last year. Last year the hospital’s operating loss was at $3,076,957.”
Van Dyke said strategies implemented last year to reduce loss and turn the hospital around are encouraging. He compared the turnaround of the hospital to stopping an air craft carrier.
“It takes miles to stop it before you can turn it around. We have made some progress. We are moving in a positive direction. But, we still have a lot of work to do.”
In 2004, Tyrone Hospital obtained Critical Access Hospital (CAH) status which affords the hospital a number of advantages including better reimbursement from Medicare, and eligibility for certain rural health grants. During fiscal year 2004-2005 the hospital received several grants including Flex Grants in the amount of $82,600 to assist with the hospital’s information technology initiative, a $69,000 bioterrorism grant, a network planning grant of $85,000 and a $500,000 HRSA grant from Senator Arlen Specter.
Van Dyke said the grant resources will allow the hospital to implement its strategic technology plan.
“When fully implemented, the information technology system at Tyrone Hospital will be comparable to that of any major hospital in the country. It will have a positive effect on hospital operations. ”
The hospital has already upgraded wiring, and upgraded and installed additional computers.
Van Dyke indicated that the hospital’s inpatient activity decreased somewhat, while outpatient services continue to increase. He noted that outpatient surgery activity at the hospital is nearly six times greater than that of inpatient surgery. Volume in the hospital’s radiology department, laboratory and emergency room services increased as well. Given the continuing shift to outpatient services, the hospital’s nursing department has been reorganized to provide separate directors of nursing for inpatient and outpatient to better meet patient needs, improve productivity, efficiency and communication.
Van Dyke said Tyrone is confronted with the same issues as many hospitals small and large across the state and country. In Pennsylvania during the first six months of fiscal year 2004-2005 among small rural hospitals like Tyrone in central and western Pennsylvania, 11 reported a loss while only six reported a gain.
Sandra Snyder, Director of Nursing provided an update on state and federal regulations that went into effect during the year. As of October 2004 hospital are required to offer flu and pneumonia vaccines to any hospitalized patient age 65 and older. There are also several legislative bills both state and federal regarding mandatory overtime and nurse staff ratios.
Snyder indicated the hospital successfully completed a follow-up survey with Medicare since obtaining CAH status. A decontamination unit was purchased with bioterrorism grant funds the hospital received. A demonstration and disaster drill was held utilizing the new unit.
The outlook regarding the availability of nurses and nursing recruitment remains challenging due to fewer individuals choosing nursing careers, shortage of nursing instructors, and aging of the current nursing workforce. Snyder said Tyrone is developing programs to assist the hospital in recruiting nursing personnel.
Tyrone Hospital also received support from the community through the Tyrone Hospital Auxiliary, the Tyrone Hospital Development Council, and the Tyrone Women’s Club. The Tyrone Hospital Auxiliary contributed $22,950 which was raised through various fund raisers. Funds from the auxiliary support operation of the hospital’s Care Car which provides complimentary transport to local residents for health appointments. The auxiliary also supports a variety of services on the hospital’s obstetrics unit and purchased equipment for the hospital including a scrubber for the housekeeping department and a freezer and shelving for the dietary department. The auxiliary also conducts patient parties on certain holidays.
The Tyrone Hospital Development Council raises funds each year specifically to assist the hospital with capital equipment purchases. In FY 2004-2005, the Development Council provided $30,000 to purchase eight new vital signs monitors for the hospital.
The Tyrone Women’s Club donated $5,400 to the hospital. Funds were generated via a dinner dance held by the Women’s Club.
Changes to the board of directors were also noted. James Crawford completed his term on the hospital’s board of directors and was recognized for his service to the hospital and community. Judith Norris was re-elected as President of the board of directors. Other officers are Bob Smith, Vice President; Richard Searer, Secretary and Craig Kilmer, Treasurer. Eleanor Spangler and Melissa Miller were re-elected. Two new board members were elected, Vicky Shaw, RN of Tyrone and Greg Murray, RN. Both are from Tyrone and both are employees of the hospital.
