Susan Barr
Kern Valley Sun

At the Oct. 7 meeting of the Kern Valley Healthcare District Board of Directors, CEO Tim McGlew expressed his concerns about the district’s retail pharmacy continuing to be in the red, as well as its inability to fill customers’ prescriptions in a timely manner. This is due to pharmaceutical suppliers expecting payment in advance of shipping their drugs. McGlew recommended the pharmacy close its doors, based on the financial situation in which the pharmacy finds itself.

Chief Financial Officer Chet Beedle wasted no time delivering more distressing news stating, “The Kern Valley Healthcare District had a very difficult month financially in the month of August. Volume was down from the same period last year.” However he added, “Interestingly, for the month of August on a fully allocated basis, for the first time in four years, the Skilled Nursing Facility made money.” Beedle said he remains “very concerned” about how the district will fund its long term debt. In response to Beedle’s report and a question from board member Dr. Robert Gross,

McGlew said, “The bottom line obviously is that we can’t be in a position where we are standing still. We have got to find new sources of revenue.” The CEO went on to add “We need to start looking at new programs and we are doing that. We have some initial discussions going on with regards to a wound care program, a pain management clinic and some other things like that.”

As part of his plan to attract more specialists to the district, McGlew stated the recently hired psychiatrist has begun seeing patients and two obstetricians/gynecologists are on pace to see patients by the end of October.

Chief Clinical Officer Cynthia Burciaga told the board about an Oct. 6 visit from the state commenting, “Over all we are doing very well.” Such visits are beneficial, she said, adding, “They (the state) share experience with us, updates and current trends.”

Burciaga also spoke about the impending flu season and what members of the community can do to prevent its spread when they visit friends and loved ones at the hospital. “When our flu shots come in,” Burciaga stated, “we are going to get everybody up-to-date, our employees and our residents and patients.” She advised everyone be very aware of any flu symptoms they may have before visiting the hospital. Masks will be available at all entrances as well as hand sanitizer, she said.

Burciaga welcomed the new Director of Nursing for the Skilled Nursing Facility, Michael Goosby. “He comes to us from Carlsbad, N. M. with a significant level of experience in the skilled nursing areas as well as some acute care experience in critical care,” Burciaga said.

In his report, Dr. Gary Finstad, Chief of Staff announced that Dr. Andrew Mitchell, who cited his desire to travel and spend time with his family, has tendered his resignation. “The medical executive committee met recently,” said Finstad. “They are in the process of reviewing the current medical staff policies and procedures.”

McGlew reported, “KVHD invited BETA, the district’s insurance group, to come in and do an analysis on the Skilled Nursing Facility and the operations that are going on in there. They were here for three days in September.” He went on to add, “The general findings from them were excellent. The team that was here was extremely complimentary of the staff, and the quality of service that they provide. They did give us a list of suggestions for us to continue to make improvements on. Cynthia is working with her team on that.”

Near the close of the meeting, Board Chair Kay Knight read a statement regarding the possible closure of the pharmacy. Knight said one of her primary concerns is about lost jobs within the district. After substantial input from board members and the public, the board agreed to examine the situation further.

Prior to bringing the meeting to a close, Knight thanked everyone present for taking the time to attend the meeting and for being concerned about the district and the role it plays in the community.

The next KVHD regular Board of Directors meeting will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 4 in the hospital cafeteria. As always, the public is welcome to attend.