Hospital shows profit despite patient drop

Roosevelt General Hospital announced a drop in patient activity for the month of September, but showed an increase in profit, according to administration officials.

Chief Financial Officer Eva Stevens reported at Tuesday’s board meeting that patient care for the month had dropped over the previous month, for both inpatient and outpatient. This caused a loss of revenue, but finances were kept in the clear, showing a profit, said Stevens.

“We had a drop-off in the number of patients, said Stevens. This caused our revenue to be down.”

Stevens also reported that the hospital audit had been completed and turned in on time. Auditors found a few minor discrepancies with hospital paperwork that was quickly and easily resolved, said Stevens.

“It was basically pretty insignificant findings,” said James D’Agostino, CEO and administrator.

Discussed on the agenda was the formation of a Service Recovery Team. The team would be in place to assist patients or family members who have a complaint. The goal of the program would be to satisfy the patient and provide help for the family, said D’Agostino.

If a patient or family member has a complaint with, for example, a nurse, the cafeteria, or other areas, the team would be able to step in and resolve the issue before the patient leaves the hospital,said D’Agostino.

The basic concept of the team would be to provide daily ongoing customer service for those parties involved, said D’Agostino.

“It’s a more personal courteous service,” said D’Agostino.

In other business:

• The board approved the submission of the 2006 budget and quarterly revisions to the state.

• The board gave approval of physician credentialing for pediatric radiologist.

• The board gave approval three three physicians to be put on the inactive list

• The new MRI machine has been ordered. Plans for the MRI building specifications will be sent to the state for approval in two weeks.

• The search for a new Director of Nursing has been expanded.

• The Internal Medicine Group has completed their move to the building that houses the Eastern Medical Associates. The board approved the submission of the 2006 budget and quarterly revisions to the state.

• The board gave approval of physician credentialing for pediatric radiologist.

• The board gave approval three three physicians to be put on the inactive list

• The new MRI machine has been ordered. Plans for the MRI building specifications will be sent to the state for approval in two weeks.

• The search for a new Director of Nursing has been expanded.

• The Internal Medicine Group has completed their move to the building that houses the Eastern Medical Associates.