Kern Valley Sun
If the standing room only Kern Valley Healthcare District meeting on last Wednesday was any indication, it was obvious that the community is extremely concerned about its local healthcare facility. The large crowd attending the March 4 meeting was comprised of numerous District employees and volunteers, both past and present, as well as residents and members of the local media. The most common topic of conversation prior to the meeting getting started was what, if anything, board members would say about the recent indictments brought against two existing and one previous KVHD employee. It didn’t take long to realize that they would say nothing at all unless the issue was forced.
As is the norm, Board Chair, Kathryn Knight opened the floor up for public comment shortly after the meeting began. There was certainly no shortage of individuals wishing to ask questions or offer comments. They dealt with a variety of topics; congratulations on the recent 40th Anniversary celebrations, the high level of care locals have received in the ER, a request for an explanation as to why the services of traveling nurses are still being utilized, the grievance process available to staff, and whether or not individuals working in the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) are by law mandated reporters. After listening to each individual, Knight referred questions to Rick Carter, CEO, Chet Beedle, CFO, other board members or addressed them herself. Not surprisingly, some responses given were guarded; others appeared somewhat defensive and at times even caustic.
 A former Kern Valley Healthcare District employee reads excerpts of her letter at the March 4 KVHD Board meeting. The letter addressed the issue of low staff morale at the skilled nursing facility. |
Alicia Audette, Auxiliary President provided an update on the ongoing renovation of the Lake Isabella Hospital Thrift Shop. Thanks to the efforts of many dedicated volunteers, the work has gone smoothly and efficiently. The store will be opening again for business on March 16.
Dr. Gross once again filled in for Dr. Finstad and gave the monthly medical report. He thanked Dr. Vogel for 23 years of service in the valley. Gross stated, “It is very hard to get specialists to come up to the valley. Dr. Vogel has been an enormous help over the years.”
Beedle provided a detailed financial overview in his report, citing the major differences in the district in the month February this year and in the same period in 2008. Although ER visits were up, admissions to Acute Care were down slightly. The daily census in the SNF continues to build slowly. Beedle also added, ”At this time, people all over are opting out of elective procedures. Although we don’t see an enormous amount here, surprisingly we saw the amount triple from the same period last year.” He explained to the board that the amount of charity cases the district sees will likely be going up dramatically as the economy worsens.
In his report, Carter commented, “I’m thrilled with the support by the community for the recent Heartwalk.” He also mentioned that the two flags presented to the district by local dignitaries at the recent 40th Anniversary celebration will be put on display in the hospital in the near future. One of the flags had been flown over the state capitol, the other had flown over the capitol in Washington, D.C.
When it was time to discuss new business, Beedle once again took the floor, this time to touch on the subject of the next fiscal year’s budget. He stated, “Currently, 50% of hospitals in the US are losing money. Many hospitals are being forced to do layoffs, cut services, implement freezes or wage reductions.” He added that he does not anticipate anything like that next year for this district. The board approved the budget assumptions for the 2009-2010 fiscal year.
Jesse Alvarez, Manager of the Radiology Department was on hand to address questions from the board and the public regarding the purchase of a new digital radiology system. After much discussion, the board approved the purchase of the system.
At that point, the board went into a closed session along with district attorney, Scott Nave to discuss two issues of litigation.
The next KVHD meeting will be held on April 1 in the hospital cafeteria. As always, the public is welcome to attend.
Comments
14 comment(s)Laura Hart wrote on Apr 13, 2009 9:13 AM:
Second, apparently, you already knew before others the CEO was stepping down. Are you micromanaging or just bothering the staff?
Maybe you should read the radio transcript on my blog. I will allow you to comment on anything on there. But with your own name.
Anyone is welcome to leave comments or email me with questions. It's an open door policy. And it doesn't have to be on the agenda.
(I wouldn't use my name either if all I had was misinformation.) "
Wise Counsellor wrote on Apr 8, 2009 4:57 PM:
to Counselor wrote on Apr 8, 2009 8:32 AM:
Wise Counselor wrote on Apr 7, 2009 9:05 PM:
Put the blame on the Board Chair Kay Knight. That is, she has been doing the CEO's job since she appointed herself as Chair in December and had the 2 newly elected Board Members to validate the vote. Here's a FYI for you, Laura, who is supposed to be the wise sage of this valley, there has been so much interference with the CEO doing his job, he has resigned! His last day is April 10th! Put that in your "pipe" and smoke it! "
Laura Hart wrote on Mar 26, 2009 10:20 AM:
Its a real slap in the face to the community, when the hospital hides its meetings. What else are they hiding? "
Wise Counselor wrote on Mar 25, 2009 11:31 PM:
Laura Hart wrote on Mar 23, 2009 6:40 PM:
It's the last Wed. of every month at 9am, in the board room.
There should be no issue with you obtaining financial records. Generally, legally, all you have to do is ask; but recently there's been delays, denials, and other problems getting reports.
If you have any problems let me know. "
Ill go wrote on Mar 23, 2009 8:30 AM:
Laura Hart wrote on Mar 22, 2009 1:52 PM:
And the finance committee meeting, is March 25, 2009,at 9 am, in the board room. That's a more interesting meeting in that the CFO and CEO should have information requested at the last board meeting about what the hospital is paying in traveling nurse costs. Should be right at their fingertips.
And I must say I'm proud of the people in the community who have come back to speak out. Or disgruntled employees, whatever. "
nffffffffjMF wrote on Mar 14, 2009 7:57 PM:
RJ wrote on Mar 14, 2009 6:15 PM:
disgruntled wrote on Mar 13, 2009 9:17 AM:
Green Peace wrote on Mar 12, 2009 11:51 PM:
Old Timer wrote on Mar 11, 2009 12:33 AM:
This report is superior in comparison to the report on an "infamous web site" which shows videos and a former reporters opinion of the meetings...if one was to believe that web site, we would all indeed leave this valley in droves!
Thank you for unbiased TRUTH! "