Meetings watch: Hospital board

During the Roosevelt General Hospital board meeting on Tuesday, the board:

• Heard the financial report from Chief Financial Officer Eva Stevens. The hospital showed a revenue increase of $150,000 for inpatient care in March, but bad debt and accounts receivable also increased.

• Approved J.W. Anderson and Associates of Lubbock for a one-year contract to do a financial audit. Stevens said the hospital has worked with J.W. Anderson before.

• Heard the nurses report about their changes in staff. The hospital is seeking nurses to fill open positions. Interim Department of Patient Care Director Tawnya Burton said they are not short on staff, but they want to bring in people to help.

• Heard Administrator Larry Leaming talk about the closing of the Home Health Service, which happened Monday. Leaming said it was a small service and it meant a significant investment to remain competitive in that market. Leaming said they have formed a relationship with Interim Healthcare, a local provider that will accommodate patients who want to use their service. Patients have a choice of providers.

Three nurses, one aid and a manager were a part of the Home Health Service. Some went to work with Interim Healthcare as new employees, and others filled nursing positions at the hospital. Only the manager no longer has his job and is looking into his options, Leaming said.