MEEKER | Pioneers Medical Center’s Board of Directors welcomed new members J.H. Sheridan, Jeff Eskelson and Wade Bradfield this week. PMC board and staff also recognized outgoing board members Todd Shults, Kai Turner and Kim Brown.
Marketing and Foundation Director Rachel Gates received board approval to submit a DOLA grant request for $119K for coronavirus funds directly related to preparation and response to Covid “now and in the future.” If awarded, funds will go toward equipment purchases. The district has also submitted an $8 million congressionally directed spending (CDS) request through Senator Michael Bennet’s office to help fund assisted living.
Dr. Kellie Turner said coronavirus numbers are going up in town due to cases in the elementary school. She noted that despite the increases, positive numbers weren’t leading to a large number of hospitalizations. Dr. Turner also discussed a “quandary” associated with the closure of the county jail. She said anyone getting transported to Craig by law enforcement comes through PMC’s ER first for a medical clearance, which raises questions about how they get billed if they refuse treatment. Turner suggested a conversation with the county to address the situation further. Dr. Turner also discussed the new retail pharmacy, which is open for business. “I feel like it’s going really well,” she said, noting that some kinks were being worked out, but other than that the pharmacy was operating smoothly. Its official grand opening is set for May 31.
PMC CEO Liz Sellers discussed various subjects with board members, including plans to add additional security at the ER entrance to protect nurses and patients, and plans to make a ‘commons area’ in the current location of the home health program. Sellers said renovations to the structure could be completed by in-house maintenance, and would provide a space for traveling healthcare workers. Upon completion, the updates could “free up 5-6 apartments in town” for other residents. Sellers also noted that construction for an additional 25 beds is currently “on hold” based on current cost increases to build.
The board moved to executive session to discuss various items including plans to implement a new system at the hospital, and an ongoing project to “mitigate medication challenges.
By LUCAS TURNER | [email protected]om
