Howard Memorial Hospital Board Recognizes 50 Years of Service, Reviews Financial Report
The Howard Memorial Hospital Board of Directors recognized a longtime employee for five decades of service, approved the purchase of a Trophon ultrasound machine requested by the Radiology Department and reviewed the hospital’s 2025 retirement plan audit findings during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday.
At the beginning of the meeting, board member Julie Jones presented Rebecca Porter with a certificate of recognition honoring her 50 years of service at Howard Memorial Hospital (HMH).
Board Approves Radiology Department Equipment Request
The board approved the purchase of a Trophon ultrasound machine requested by the hospital’s Radiology Department.
The Trophon machine is designed to provide high-level disinfection of compatible ultrasound probes between patients. Using hydrogen peroxide mist technology, the device helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination and supports infection prevention practices in medical settings.
CFO Reports Four 401(k) Audit Findings
Chief Financial Officer Bill Craig reported that the hospital’s 2025 401(k) audit identified four findings involving employee retirement account deposits, employer matching contributions, employee compensation discrepancies and documentation.
One finding involved a deposit into an employee’s account that was not made on time. Craig reported that the issue has since been corrected and that the corrective action was included in the auditors’ report.
Another finding involved an incorrectly calculated employer match, along with discrepancies related to employee compensation and documentation.
Craig also discussed a proposed plan to provide employees with a 1% match. Employees would be able to make changes to their retirement plan elections through the Voya online portal.
September Financial Report Shows Positive Results
During his financial report, Craig described September as a difficult month but noted that hospital cash receipts exceeded the monthly target.
Cash receipts totaled $2,876,025 in September 2026, surpassing the monthly goal of $2.2 million.
Other positive indicators included:
Swing Bed volume: Exceeded the goal of 30%.
Emergency Department visits: Finished 80 visits above budget.
Paid full-time equivalent employees: Totaled 179.7 in September, below the budgeted 186.6.
Despite the challenges Craig noted for the month, the hospital exceeded its cash receipt goal and recorded higher-than-budgeted Emergency Department activity while paid staffing levels remained below budget.