Hospital board meeting highlights

COLFAX — The Whitman Hospital Board of Commissioners discussed several updates during the monthly meeting including policy updates, grants received, financial updates and RV park upgrades.

During the Wednesday, Sept. 18, meeting Board Commissioner Cherry Alice VanTine reported to the board updates from the Ethics meeting, which occurred earlier that morning, stating that Chief Nursing Officer Bill Bryant reported there is now a no-show policy in place for the clinics.

“We started the beginning of this month, so we’ll bring some statistics for you next month,” Vice President of Outpatient Services Debbie Hoadley said in regard to the new policy requiring patients to sign that they will show up for scheduled appointments.

Hoadley reported to the board that there is not a charge for those who do not show, but they will call and remind the patient that they have an appointment coming up and are required to sign the paper acknowledging the policy.

“Our intent is to encourage compliance,” said Hospital CEO Hank Hanigan.

In building and grounds updates, Board Commissioner Michele Beckmann reported that the RV Park contractor bids are still being refined and reviewed to improve the appearance of the stairs.

Beckmann reported that the 3D floor plan for the therapy remodel was reviewed.

“HR Concrete Repair, a concrete company, has been hired to make the necessary repairs,” reported Beckmann. “Walkway closure lights and heaters have been installed.”

Beckmann noted a plan for a weather barrier is being revisited and parking lot restructuring was 95% complete with the last section expected to be completed the weekend of Sept. 21.

In finance, Board Commissioner Kathy Wride reported overall volumes are lower compared to last month due to harvest.

“We had 40 surgeries for the month of June,” Wride reported, noting primary care visits were down 25% for August and 17% year to date.

In-patient care was up 30% for August and down 21% year to date and therapy was up approximately 40%.

Hanigan stated that number should go up since the hospital has acquired new surgeons.

“Our sterilizer is up and running,” Board of Commissioners President Georgie Leinweber said.

Wride reported the financial statements for the month of August at a net loss of $378,000, with an operating loss of $735,000.

Net patient revenue was 1.8% under budget, expenses 3.6 % over budge and purchase services 53% over budget.

Wride reported, the year to date net loss was $328,000, operating loss 3.1 million, net patient revenue 9.9% under budget, expenses 12 percent over budget, purchase services 32% over budget and cash on hand is $145.

Wride reported Chief Financial Officer Abby Smith presented a new supplemental payment program for medicaid professional fees in 2026 with a net benefit for supplemental fees projected to be between $160,000 to $200,000.

Wride reported the hospital received a one time grant for a week that was at $177,000 from Washington State Department of Health for OB.

“We have recently been told that we will receive $150,000 in grants from the state to improve access control,” reported Hanigan, noting it will upgrade the badge system for facility access and the grants will pay for it all.

“That will be coming in the future and that’s a significant amount of money that will make this a better place,” said Hanigan.