Staff Reports

    Despite certain operating expenses for the month of January, Morgan Memorial Hospital turned a profit for the sixth month in a row. At the hospital's Authority Board meeting last Thursday, Board Treasurer John Milliken reported that, without government contributions, the hospital accumulated a profit of over $50,000 for the month of January.
    “Financially we have a good month, and in the operation of the hospital we have a good month,” said Milliken. Milliken added that, due to certain expenses, including holiday and vacation pay for employees, the operating expenses were greater than usual. Gross patient revenue totaled $2.2 million for the month of January while total hospital revenue came to more than $1.1 million, 15 percent better than the budgeted amount.
    “The Finance Committee is well pleased with how the administration is holding the line on the expenses,” said Milliken. Also at the meeting, the Board unanimously voted to purchase a chemistry analyzer machine, which is used to analyze patients' blood. This new piece of equipment will automatically recognize a patient and store their information in a computer system.
    The Board also voted to purchase three new high-definition scopes for about $77,983. The Auxiliary voted to provide $40,000 for the purchase of a C-ARM. Further, one Ziehm C-ARM has already been purchased and is scheduled to arrive soon.
    The hospital has also applied for the Small Rural Hospital Improvement Grant, which would pay for the $9,000 cost of the Omni-cell doors. The hospital continues to work towards improved appearance of the facility with the purchase of two signs for the TCU to be installed near the parking lot and on the building.  
    Also, the Board reported that new employees in the Nursing and Business offices were the best new hires in the last five years. H.D. Cannington commented that these new hires were partly the result of an improving positive image of Morgan Memorial Hospital.
    The Board plans to continue to improve this image with the certification of trustees through the Georgia Hospital Association. Cannington said that it will mandatory in a few years for trustees to become certified, and that MMH should take the step to become certified before it is mandatory.
    “I think it would be good for us to say we are a certified hospital,” said H.D.   Morgan Memorial Hospital also plans to provide Radiology Services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. After reaching an agreement with Diagnostic Imaging Services, the Board voted to credential the group of 13 doctors to read patients' radiology films. This program will take effect beginning March 1.
    The hospital plans to work with Oldcastle to provide several industrial medicine services, including annual health screens, wellness education and worker’s compensation.
    Finally, Morgan Memorial Hospital Authority Board Chairman Terry Evans called on members of the Board to observe a moment of silence to honor the memory of Morgan County native Roy Lambert, considered to be a major supporter of the hospital.