HCC Board of Trustees



DATE: August 29, 2007

PRESENT: Arthur Carlson, Linda Borleske, Paul Endres, William Higgins, Henry Netzinger, Terri Langer. Barbara Gunderson and Mary Jo Graham, Interim Administrator's from Gunderson and Graham Healthcare Consulting were also present.
ABSENT: Larry Schroeder
OTHERS PRESENT: Marty Krueger, staff

1. Called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Paul Endres. The open meeting law requirements were met.
2. Motion by Borleske, second by Carlson to adopt the agenda. Motion carried.

3. Introductions made of Interim Administrators: Barbara Gunderson and Mary Jo Graham of Gunderson/Graham Healthcare Consulting.

4. Graham indicated that they have met with Department managers and felt the meeting went well. Will be assessing what has already been done and what needs to be done. Felt that they need to stress that the WIPFLi report was just that, a report, not an implementation plan. Talked with managers about their concerns and assured them that they will be involved in changes as much as possible. Will be working on prioritizing items that need to be done. Placing more computers at the nursing stations and training for nursing staff is one of the first priorities. They also noted that managers in general feel the lack of communication with the county as a whole. Plan on meeting weekly with management team or as frequently as needed to keep them informed. Facility staff have a lot of anxiety which needs to be relieved. Care is very good and needs to continue with efficiencies and within the budget.

An all staff meeting was also held twice to cover all shifts with Paul Endres in attendance to show Board of Trustees support for GGHC. Primary concern of nursing department is cuts that have been made so will be looking at staffing levels immediately and make changes as necessary.

Borleske asked that the transition plan be shared with the Board of Trustees as they need to be involved in decision making. Barbara assured them that they will stay in communication with the group and establish priorities. First priorities is staffing. Standards are set for appropriate staffing, however are used as a guideline only. General plan is to look at where we are now, see what has been done, prioritize changes and then develop a plan. Will present priority list to the Board of Trustees with a timeline. Larger steps will be reported directly to the board.

Computer usage by nursing is being looked at and more computers are needed. Two on each floor would be helpful. There is a group working on new software, however in the mean time need to train all nurses on computers since some have never used them. If they are comfortable with the old software, the new will be less of a transition. Some of the wiring is done and Bill is working on that aspect. Will need more licenses as well.

Some services, such as the therapies, may be integrated at the county level, and some of our staff may be included in this plan. Board was asked if they would be willing to pay for education/training of staff if they should lose their jobs. Board felt that something in that area was a possibility.

Should have a good plan by the end of September to report to this board.

5. Endres made some suggestions for agenda items for the next regular meeting (September 6).

Motion by Higgins, second by Langer to adjourn. Motion carried.

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Paul Endres, Chairperson