Wendy Cody-Special to the Sun

Kern Valley Healthcare District Board met Thursday Dec. 6, 2007 in the cafeteria of the Kern Valley Hospital in Mountain Mesa. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairman Brad Armstrong. The first order of business was public comment, allowing persons from the community to address the Board on any matter that is not on the current agenda but is under the jurisdiction of the Board. Citizens may voice their concerns, ideas or ask pertinent questions. Board action cannot be taken on these matters at the meeting where presented, but referrals may be made to address an issue, or direction given to attend to them at a future meeting.

The first to speak was Celia Juni, former employee in the Skilled Nursing Center, who read a lengthy statement concerning her former job as activities director in the SNF. Juni said her primary complaint was that she was not being allowed to visit residents in the SNF. Armstrong said he was unaware of any reason Juni should not be allowed to visit and directed the present Activities Director to look into the matter. JUni indicated she was in agreement. Board member Katherine Knight commented about the extra work Juni had done in the SNF, stating that she could see no reason for Juni losing her job. Knight said she'd like to see Juni as Activities Director again.

Sharon Steenson took the podium and discussed various difficulties she has had with the hospital's billing over some time. Armstrong stated that in reviewing her information previously, there was additional information required by the billing department in order to eliminate the problems Steenson mentioned. Armstrong directed the Controller Pam Figueroa to get the information from Steenson and solve the issue. He asked Steenson if this would be agreeable with her, and she indicated that it would.

A woman who identified herself as Sue introduced herself as a volunteer at the SNF. She said that she and Ester (at the podium also) have been volunteers there for over eight years and gave a litany about Juni's Christmas parties and outings when she worked as Activities Director at the SNF. Sue said they think Juni deserves another chance. Armstrong thanked them.

Interim Administrator, Tracy Brown, reported the improvements underway in the SNF as far as rooms and equipment, policies and procedures. She invited anyone interested to feel free to visit the area and see some of the changes made so far.

Brown reported that the most recent California State Compliance Survey has been met with a perfect score. A Director of Nursing, two CNA's and one LVN have been added to the staff. All are positive she said about working on bringing the SNF up to required standards. The management company runs their own compliance survey every six months. This keeps everyone on the right track. The SNF is presently a Focus Facility. There are six such designations each year in the state of California. There is also a Federal Survey conducted three times annually. After three perfect scores, the Focus status is removed. There is also a Title 22 survey every two years.

Brown reported a Code of Conduct is in place now and all of the staff are pleased and ready to comply. A Marketing and Admissions Committee was formed to further ensure the success of the SNF. Board member Bob Knight said he is very impressed with Brown and her staff for the way things have been handled thus far.

Ron Meinke from the Hospital Auxiliary reported that Gift Shop and Thrift Shop sales were up, donations are coming in steadily. Paving of the driveway should be completed by the end of next month. Christmas Luncheon was held Dec.10. Joan Amos, Hospital Foundation President, reported that the Heart Walk is scheduled for Feb. 23, and they have been challenged by CJ’s Hair Salon with 100 walkers. The Peddlers Fair was held in November, no totals available yet.

Other reports were made by the respective individuals. Bob Jamison will Chair the Board for next year. He commented that there is much yet to be done to get the facility where it needs to be. All involved in the process are doing what is necessary to see that the Kern Valley Healthcare District is a success.

Armstrong introduced the new CEO, Rick Carter. Carter said that he has been in place for two weeks now and is learning the ropes. He stated that the people he has come in contact within the community have been very welcoming and open and he said that he thinks the facility is a great one.

Armstrong commended employees who arranged the meeting room. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.