Hospital board approves expenses, raises, budget
Staff reporter
Cronkleton reported the hospital fared better in November than it had in October.
There were 23 acute admissions in November; 34 admissions were budgeted; 31 total were in November 2003.
Revenue for November was $667,000. The hospital had budgeted $659,000 revenue. In November 2003, $634,000 in revenue was noted. October's revenue was $561,000, Cronkleton reported.
The board approved expenses totaling $240,931.
Cronkleton reported accounts receivable was about $1 million for November with $300,000 yet to be billed. He said the November general ledger was not yet completed. Ideally, $1,500,000 should be the target amounts for accounts receivable for the month of October and for the month of November.
Wayne Sholz of Quorum Health Resources, management consultants, said physician recruitment was imperative to increase volumes.
Policy for paying expenses
At a previous meeting, Smith and Cronkleton had discussed with the board a maximum dollar amount it would allow the administration to pay in operating expenses without prior approval.
Smith reported the hospital's certified public accountant had been notified and stated it was necessary for the board to approve all expenditures. It was suggested the board plan to meet two times each month, instead of the traditional once a month.
The auditors suggested not going line-for-line on the check registry.
Smith said when the board expands in May to seven members, specific board members could be designated to review the check registry prior to the meetings. The members could then recommend approval of the registry by the full board.
Capital expenditures also were discussed.
Hospital auxiliary report
Eileen Sieger, treasurer of St. Luke Auxiliary, presented a report as of Oct. 31. The organization had a balance of $947 in its general fund, and $8,835 in a special fund. A certificate of deposit matured in November and was renewed for four years at a four percent interest rate.
Sieger reported the auxiliary was considering a project of updating and improving the hospital's waiting room with new carpet and furniture during 2005. Smith said he would definitely be in favor of any improvements to the lobby area. Sieger said the group was considering asking other organizations to help with the costs by purchasing individual chairs when a plan is organized and approved.
The auxiliary's annual meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at Eastmoor United Methodist Church, Marion. Margie and Harry Bennett of Marion will give a program on their Peace Corps experience in Belize, Sieger said.
