Leadership Attends RHPI Conference

Margaret West, CEO, and Shawnee Hicks, Human Resources Director, recently attended the Rural Healthcare Performance Improvement (RHPI) Conference in Tunica, Mississippi.

MRMC received a RHPI grant last year to aid in the reorganization of annual employee evaluations.  Margaret and Shawnee were asked to present an overview of the project and the outcome of the results at the annual conference.

In addition, Margaret served as a panel member for a breakout session discussing the electronic medical record.  MRMC is leaps and bounds ahead of other rural hospitals in this area and the session received wonderful feedback.



Margaret West (second from right) is pictured with the panel members for the breakout session



Healthcare Environmental Services Week

This week is National Healthcare Environmental Services and Housekeeping Week.  At MRMC, we salute the Environmental Services staff that works so hard to keep our facility safe and clean.

The Environmental Services staff are not just housekeepers, but rather germ-fighters.  They are educated in infection control and safe cleaning practices, and work tirelessly to to ensure that MRMC is a safe and healthy environment for our patients and visitors.

Thank you to our outstanding staff!

Board of Commissioners, 8.22.11

The MRMC Board of Commissioners held a brief monthly meeting on Monday, August 22, 2011.

Chris Comer, Chief Financial Officer, gave an overview of July finances: July closed with a monthly EBIDA loss of $171,816, and a year to date EBIDA gain of $108,520. There were 136 inpatient admissions during the month.

In Medical Staff news, the Board reappointment Dr. John Alexander Jr to another two year term on the Medical Staff with Family Medicine privileges.

The Board adjourned into a Strategic Planning session. The finalized three-year plan will be brought to the September meeting for final Board approval.

Board of Commissioners - August 8, 2011

The MRMC Board of Commissioners met at noon on August 8th to hear reports for the July reporting period:

Dr. Mark Mingle, UAMS/AHEC Director, presented the Board with an overview of the current process of evaluating potential communities for the Rural Training Track Residency program. Dr. Mingle stressed that a decision has not been made yet and data is still being reviewed in the decision making process.

Julia Whitehead, Executive Director of the MRMC Foundation, reported to the Board that plans are being made for a walking track/wellness area in the old city park area. Funding will come from grants, private donations, and hospital contribution. The area will include a walking track, equipment for fitness stations, as well as limited playground equipment.

Karen Weido, Marketing Director, presented an overview from the Community Advisory Board's July meeting. The meeting included an overview of Home Health Services, Campus Growth Idea, Medical Assistance Program, and the MRMC Collections policy.

Darrell Chatelain, Chief Support Officer, reported that a usage survey shows that the new facility uses more gas and electricity than the former facility. Steps are being taken to reduce usage and make the facility run more efficiently.

Margaret West, Chief Executive Officer, presented recommendations for a new Obstetrical Clinic staff by two employed physicians. The Board approved the creation of the new clinic.

Darrell Chatelain reported that a contract is being evaluated to upgrade our current 40-slice CT machine with a new 128-slice machine.

Molly Burns, MRMC Foundation Chairman, reported that the "Stars of Arkansas" final total raised was $57,026

Ammons Named Child Passenger Safety Technician

Mitzi Ammons has recently completed the requirements necessary to be certified as a Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technician. In completing the program, Ammons studied a curriculum developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and guided by the National Child Passenger Safety Board.

During the training program, Ammons received extensive training in crash dynamics, injury prevention strategies, child restraint selection and installation, and vehicle occupant protection. CPS Technicians conduct education and hands-on assistance to parents and caregivers regarding the proper use of child restraint systems and seat belts.

Ammons is a Registered Nurse who has worked at MRMC for 25 years. She is currently the Labor & Delivery Department Director. She gladly accepts appointments to provide a personal child safety seat assessment. To make an appointment, contact Mitzi at 235-3532.

Employee of the Month–July

Congratulations to Sandra Gantt, July Employee of the Month

Sandra has worked at MRMC over 30 years.  She works in the Environmental Services department.

Board of Commissioners - June 27, 2011

The MRMC Board of Commissioners met June 27, 2011 at noon in the MRMC Board Room.

Financial Report
May showed an EBIDA loss of $145,349, and a year to date EBIDA gain of $351,459.  There were 136 admissions during the month of May.

Old Business
Margaret West presented two options for expanding the campus to house the Magnolia Medical Clinic and Magnolia Surgical Clinic.  Option A includes the purchase and remodel of a clinic located on Columbia Street, plus the remodel of the current Magnolia Medical Clinic.  Option B is to build a free standing building on the hospital property to house both clinics.  The discussion was tabled with Dr. Jason Franks requested that an Option C be investigated.  Option C would be to add on to the existing Emergency Department to create a clinic.

Margaret West presented two options to begin implementation of a Hospitalists program.  Option A, an agreement with HCC, was determined to be too expensive.  Option B, a hybrid program with a day time hospitalist also serving as the Rural Health director, was adopted by the Board.

Margaret West updated the Board on recent meetings regarding the South Arkansas AHEC program.  She will keep the Board updated as developments unfold.

New Business
Margaret West informed the Board of a wellness program that MRMC is adopting for the employees.

Foundation Report
Molly Burns, Foundation Chair, thanked everyone involved in making the Stars of Arkansas fundraiser a success.  The event raised $55,000 for the Foundation.

Medical Staff Report
The following practitioners were granted reappointment to the Medical Staff: Moises Menendez MD, Jack Royal MD, Jo Ann Clark APN, and Neeta Vargo MD. The following practitioners were granted initial appointments to the Medical Staff: Michael Diamond MD, Clifford Ball MD, and Karl Wagenhauser MD.

The July Board meeting will be held August 8, 2011 at noon.