HMH Board Reviews 4th Quarter Goals

Howard Memorial Hospital’s net income dipped during the month of September for a loss of $94,308 due to a drop in the inpatient census and bad debt expense running $77,000 above budget. Chief Financial Officer Bill Craig says despite those numbers, volume continues to remain high and that the emergency department remains strong, with a total of 964 visits last month. Outpatient visits were above budget in September.

Chief Executive Officer Debra Wright reviewed the 4th quarter update of this year’s strategic plan and goals and noted that 19 of 22 goals have been completed, or 86 percent. The rehabilitation department has met the goal of increasing volume over last year, for an 8.8 percent increase. A goal to complete STAT emergency room lab orders within 30 minutes or less has not been met. Proceeds from the Foundation Gala were earmarked to purchase the Piccolo for point of care testing to improve the turnaround time. The machine has not been installed yet as work is underway on the interface. Medical and surgical clinics have met all quality metrics.