June 6, 2007 Edition

Also in this issue...

LHS to purchase property

"Overall, it was a very good month," finance committee chair Gary Little told the other members of the Lawrence Health Services governing board at their regular meeting May 29.

Dr. Ralph Joseph agreed to sell the property housing Medical Arts Pharmacy and a vacant physician clinic across the street from the hospital. "This acquisition will help to eliminate some rental and lease arrangements that we have in place, assure closer proximity for services we place in the building and help us to achieve investment," Leah Osbahr, president of LHS, said.

Osbahr also reported that preliminary estimates are being researched for upgrading CT scan technology. "This would reduce report time for critical test results, increase utilization and availability and provide new services," Osbahr said.

In other business:

The 150-pound capacity washer approved by the board in April would not fit into the laundry's physical plant. Two 60-pound units were approved for replacement.
The board was asked to consider leasing ultrasound equipment on a three-year plan. It will be brought to the board after medical staff consideration.
Twenty-five new bedside tables were approved for the nursing home.
Sandy Sullins, CFO, shared an overview of the 2007-08 budget proposal. The finance committee will meet again on Monday to finalize the budget.
Sullins shared new auditing standards.
Dr. Ted Lancaster provided the medical director's report for LHNC.
It was announced that LHNC would be receiving a quality of care award from the Arkansas Foundation of Medical Care on May 31.
Sarah Wright, LHNC administrator, shared a report of the success of the events highlighting National Nursing Home Week. She said she was pleased with the level of staff participation and their association with residents.
The board learned that the intake level of residents in LHNC has improved with the adjustment of lunch and dinner times.
Wright shared a report based on the top standards that surveyors look for when inspecting a nursing home.
Reports from the medical staff were presented to the board by Dr. Clay Spencer, chief of staff.
A new system of patient satisfaction surveys was put in place on May 1.
More than 115 persons registered at the community health fair sponsored by the Lawrence County Healthcare Coalition.
A benefit jewelry sale was held by the LHS Auxiliary resulting in $800 being raised.
The hospital received a quality award for its high standards in pneumonia care. Tonya Couch and Kim Williams accepted the award from the VHA in Denver on May 21. Representatives of VHA (formerly Voluntary Hospitals of America) will be visiting the June board meeting.
Williams reported on national patient safety goals. The environmental safety quality report was also provided.

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