The Excelsior Springs Hospital Board met on January 22, 2024, bringing with it significant announcements and updates. A pivotal development at the onset was the appointment of Matt Untch as the new Chief Financial Officer. Bringing over 25 years of expertise in hospital finance, Matt stepped into this role temporarily following the departure of Cameron Meyer in December 2023.
CEO Kristen DeHart provided critical updates on funding matters pertaining to the employee retention tax credit submitted in 2021. The IRS had previously approved one quarter over the summer; they have now denied two quarters andhave disallowed the claim that was paid in 2021. The hospital has filed a formal protest that may take 12-18 months to resolve.
On a brighter note, the hospital received a much-awaited $1.5 million FEMA grant, facilitated by Congressman Jason Smith, with an additional $500k anticipated. Kristen said, “We are actually one of the first hospitals in the state to be approved for the FEMA funds – so we will take that as a gift. Those funds are life saving for the hospital.”
The meeting took a moment to applaud the Plant Operations team for their exceptional efforts during recent winter storms. Facing challenges like kitchen flooding and burst pipes in freezing temperatures, the team diligently ensured the safety of staff and patients by clearing pathways and managing facilities.
A notable achievement highlighted was the $1.5 million from the Clay County Children Services Fund, benefitting 193 Excelsior Springs Clay County students this year. The hospital’s strong collaboration with the local school district and the impact of their behavioral health program, extending beyond Excelsior Springs, was recognized.
The expanding need for psychiatric services was addressed, with the hospital now employing eighteen staff in this department. Despite a waiting list of 146 students, proactive screening measures are being implemented to expedite access to necessary resources prior to receiving therapy.
Kristen DeHart also announced the upcoming Excelsior Springs Health Care Foundation’s 31st annual golf tournament, scheduled for May 31, 2024, at the Excelsior Springs Golf Course.
Dr. Sarah Gonzalez, Chief Nursing Officer and COO, reported an uptick in respiratory illnesses in the emergency and inpatient departments. She also shared new emergency rules from the Department of Health and Senior Services, expanding the scope of LPNs to administer certain IV medications, a response to the nationwide nursing shortage.
Matt Untch presented an optimistic financial overview, noting an increase in patient volume and service utilization despite a challenging economic climate marked by 19% inflation. The hospital aims to achieve a break-even financial position while targeting a $2 million cost reduction.
The meeting concluded with Angela Ochoa, Infection Prevention Director, emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene. The hospital’s compliance rate surpasses the national average, contributing to its commendable performance in recent compliance checks. Additionally, the hospital was selected for a $75,000 research grant project focused on infection control practices, being the only critical access hospital and among five nationwide recipients.
The Excelsior Springs Hospital Board meeting reflected a period of large development, challenges met with resilience, and a commitment to enhancing community health services.
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Our family appreciates Excelsior Hospital commitment to their goal of excellence. We have experienced great care given to our Mom. Their Out -Patient clinics Phyicians are excellent.
With the growth that Excelsior Hospital is experiencing as more of other communities are also making them their preferred Hospital choice, I along with several others do see the necessity of having staff on hand for ultrasounds and dopplers to be done over the weekend. By not having this available when needed it forces those in need of those services to have to go to another hospital, which is certainly not our family’s choice. Please give this serious consideration.