Patients have so much, so close at local hospital
Staff reporter
It's simple. CEO Jeremy Armstrong wants St. Luke Hospital, Living Center, and Home Care to be residents' first choice for health care.
Armstrong spoke at a luncheon Friday of Marion Chamber of Commerce.
The chief executive officer explained some people don't know about the services offered in Marion.
"Some people go out-of-town for services because they don't know we offer them," said Armstrong.
Among the services offered by the hospital are emergency room care, skilled nursing, inpatient and outpatient surgery, complete laboratory and radiology services, and physical and occupational therapy.
"I would put our radiology department up against any other small, critical access hospital in the state," said Armstrong, referring to state-of-the-art equipment recently purchased and installed.
A third physician remains a priority. Armstrong said the hospital appreciates the partnership with health care professionals of Marion Family Physicians — Dr. Don Hodson, Dr. Kim Hall, and Ruth Reed, ARNP.
"It's difficult to recruit physicians to Marion," said Armstrong. "It's not the community but a lot of towns can offer more money and fewer hours."
Visiting specialists also provide surgery, urology, cardiology, ophthalmology, and audiology services to local patients.
St. Luke Living Center and Marion County Home Care also are intricate parts to the hospital's continued success, said Armstrong.
From October 2005 to the present, Armstrong said average daily hospital census has been three patients. The living center has had an average of 30 residents. Capacity is 32.
Emergency room visits have totaled 602 during the past eight months. There have been 2,076 home visits, 5,195 outpatient cases, and 174 surgeries.
Inpatient census doesn't necessarily reflect people going elsewhere for care but indicates there are more procedures that don't require a hospital stay, said Armstrong.
"Outpatient census will increase," said Armstrong, with new radiology equipment.
So, where is the hospital going in the future?
"Favorable financials are important," Armstrong said. "Finances drive everything."
Customer service also is an important asset because health care is a customer service business.
"People will go elsewhere if not satisfied," he said.
Staff retention and recruitment is another important element for the future of the hospital.
"Administrators will come and go but front line people and staff are important," he said. Continued education is an important tool for their jobs.
An increased market share by expansion of services and number of patients is another component.
"We need a third physician right now," Armstrong said, "but eventually we could grow to need a fourth physician."
Another concern for the future growth and prosperity of the hospital is the facility.
"It's in an old building in need of repair," said Armstrong. In the future, the hospital will be faced with decisions that could include expanding the facility at the current site or the construction of a new facility.
During a question and answer segment, Armstrong said there were no plans in the immediate future to include a orthopedic specialist or expand the physical therapy room.
Plans are being discussed regarding a partnership between the hospital and USD #408 regarding the new indoor swimming pool.
An open house for the radiology department is planned from 1 to 4 p.m. July 9.
