County hospital board approves website makeover
Church services may no longer be provided in long-term care unit
Staff reporter
Following some discussion, Marion County Hospital District #1 board of directors approved web site services Nov. 28, to a tune of more than $25,000 during a three-year period.
No one was pleased with the three-year commitment but most agreed that a professional web site would be to the hospital's advantage.
Chief executive officer Jeremy Armstrong presented a proposal from Fast Health for the web site which included a one-time $3,500 setup fee and a fee of $600 per month for 36 months to host the site. Hospital personnel would continue to maintain it.
Armstrong said he tried to negotiate the term but the company was offering a discounted rate to the district and wouldn't budget from the long-term commitment.
Board chairman Judy Reno said many patients do not have web site access and wasn't sure if it would benefit local patrons. However, she noted that a modern, updated web site would provide a favorable impression to patrons.
Board member Bruce Skiles said he wasn't sure if this type of promotion would be as affective as newspaper advertising.
It was noted that the current web site hasn't been updated since August. Dolbee noted the software with the web site would make it easier for hospital personnel to update the site and keep it current.
"There's nothing worse than going to a web site that's not updated," said Martin Tice, board member.
He continued that web sites need to be professional and up-to-date or shouldn't be available at all.
"The Internet is the avenue of information," Tice said, and the web site would be a way to prepare for the next generation.
Board member Ken Vinduska was the most vehemently opposed to the concept. He said he used to have Internet access in his home but no longer uses it.
When it was time to vote on the motion, the motion passed 5-1 with Vinduska voting against.
The web site would provide patient pre-registration, allow online payments, provide job information and foundation information, and allow donations.
It also would permit employees to take online educational classes.
Armstrong added that the update would be a tremendous improvement over the current web site.
In other business:
— St. Luke Living Center Director Debbie Craig reported that the Marion Ministerial Alliance was considering discontinuing services to long- term care units, which includes the living center.
Craig said it was extremely important to the residents to have a weekly church service and other activities provided by local and area churches.
She will schedule a meeting with the alliance to discuss options.
