Tyrone Hospital Corporation, a nonprofit entity, held its annual meeting August 26. It was the 56th such meeting and Board of Directors Chairman Judith Norris reported that the 2001-2002 fiscal year presented the healthcare industry with the hurdles of skyrocketing malpractice insurance premiums, a nursing shortage, closing facilities and “a constant barrage of new rules and regulations.”
“Through it all, one thing has been promising,” Norris said. “That is the steadfast support and dedication of physicians, nurses, employees, staff, administrators, directors of the Tyrone Hospital and the community. Our doors are still open.”
Norris noted the changes at the hospital over the last year, particularly retirement of CFO Dan Ashcroft and Director of Human Resources and Executive Assistant Donna Carson. Ashcroft and Carson retired with 32 years and 43 years of service, respectively.
Norris pointed out the dedication of the hospital’s physicians, the Tyrone Hospital Development Council, the Auxiliary, volunteers and employees. “You are the success behind this hospital,” she said. Norris also said that the loyalty of the patients and families in the Tyrone area has been a testament to the hospital’s service and role in the community.
One of the accomplishments noted by CEO Tommy Bartlett at Monday’s meeting was the enhancement of surgical services at the hospital. A Phaco eye machine has been added for cataract surgery and endoscopy has been improved with a new video processor, light source and printer. New equipment was procurred for urological procedures. New surgical procedures such as endometrial ablation, Roux-en-y gastroplasty and laparoscopic incisional hernia repair were added.
Tyrone Hospital also expanded rehabilitation services to create the Tyrone Hospital Rehabilitation Center. “The Tyrone Hospital Rehabilitation Center now provides patients with additional services on both an inpatient and outpatient basis,” he said. Bartlett also said the center has implemented a flexible appointment schedule for patients who wish to have therapy before school or work. The center now has a full-time Occupational Therapist, Kathy Jo Marsh, and the Physical Therapy department has also added staff.
Bartlett also praised the work of the Tyrone Hospital Development Council, which raised funds to purchase six of the twenty-five Sigma 8000 Volumetric Infusion Pumps (IV pumps).
He said that the hospital continued to keep pace with technology. Two new electrocardiogram machines were purchased with funds from the Tyrone Hospital Auxiliary, which gave $26,500 to the hospital last year. Physical plant improvements included a new fire alarm system and a well water system to provide non-potable water for the hospital’s cooloing tower — a move that will help reduce costs.
