GRMC Board Chairman Charles Kelly presents resolution to vice chairman Pam Archibald. (Courtesy Photo)

By Mary Alice Murphy

Gila Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees Chairman Charles Kelly presented what he called a "bittersweet" resolution to Pam Archibald, board vice chairman and Finance Committee chairwoman, at the Friday, June 26, 2015, board meeting at the hospital.

"Whereas, we owe a debt of gratitude to her for her time and leadership," Kelly read from the resolution.

Archibald has served from April 2010 through June 2015, having held the position of vice chairwoman for the past year, and having also been Finance Committee chairwoman, secretary and treasurer at various times. She told the Beat she decided it was time to retire from the time-consuming position.

"We acknowledge her service with deep appreciation," Kelly said.

GRMC Chief Executive Officer Brian Cunningham, said: "It can't be stated enough the amount of service you've given to Gila Regional. You have persisted through our challenges and you challenged us to be the best we could be."

Also recognized at the meeting were Karen Zumwalt for continuing 40 years service in patient financial services, John Muñoz for 35 years in radiology, Donna Bornmann for 25 years in cardiac care and Brenda Lenderman for 25 years in the delivery room.

Dan Otero, Chief Administrative Officer noted that Bornmann was just chosen for practice management for cardiac service and surgery.

During reports, Marketing Director Holley Hudgins said the outgoing Auxiliary President Liz Beilue asked her to thank the board for their support. "Frances Day will be the new president."

Cunningham in his report highlighted the Supreme Court's ruling in upholding the Affordable Care Act subsidies. "It will be a help for citizen to continue to afford insurance."

He said the Patient Complaint Policy is the responsibility of the board.

"We put it through the Quality Improvement Policy Committee and asked for a redline copy so you can review the changes," Cunningham said.

Board Member Jeremiah Garcia noted that other groups needed to be on the policy "to cover bases."

Board Member Dr. Victor Nwachuku asked if every patient gets the complaint form, to which Cunningham said: "Yes."

Hudgins said the form would also be translated into Spanish.

Garcia said a document in Albuquerque Business First talked about hospital closings. "I think we've done an exceptional job, with few layoffs. I compliment the team."

Chief Nursing Officer Pat Sheyka added to her report that she had just "heard from the Nursing Director at Grand Canyon University that she wants to send more students to us in late August to September. We are hiring two from the university for late July."

A search is underway to replace Sheyka, as she plans to retire in the next couple of months.

Chief Administrative Officer Dan Otero introduced Matthew Baska, a professional recruiter, who will aid the hospital in recruiting for all positions, including physicians.

"We had the Joint Commission here last month," Otero said. "We went through the accrediting survey and did very, very well. We did find some opportunities that we are addressing immediately."

Garcia asked about the recent physician survey to which Otero replied that 10 of 25 had so far been returned, with 100 percent showing support of exploring collaborations with physicians and the hospital.

"I also see environmental health and safety are improving," Garcia said. "Injuries are going down."

"We have a relatively low number," Otero said. "Every accident is investigated. We have put significant resources toward correcting any repeats."

Archibald asked about when the assessment for changes to the labor and delivery area would be available. Otero said the end of July.

Chief of Clinical Services Ray Goellner said pharmaceutical costs are 25 percent under budget. He also noted the fluoroscopy unit was being installed and should be available for use by mid-July.

Interim Chief Financial Officer Michael Rolph said the hospital has revenues of about $302,000 above budget. "There are good trends to the management of labor and supplies. We have the ability through the end of June to improve operations. We are coming up on the end of the fiscal year next week and we will begin the audit."

He said staff from the consulting firm, Jacobus, have been on the ground for three weeks and are making significant progress, with a focus on Medicare bills to see as much happen as possible by the end of June.

Chief of Staff Dr. Greg Koury announced that Dr. Twana Sparks would be the interim surgery chair, because Dr. Brian Robinson has not resigned and he hopes he will return soon.

Koury also noted the bylaws would be voted on by phone. "We have few revisions. We are starting work on rules and regulations. Medical records-keeping is up."

Dr. Tsering Sherpa was named the top medical director of Emergency Staffing Solutions, the hospitalist group Gila Regional contracts with, according to Koury.

Archibald gave the nominating committee report and said the members had chosen Board Member Freddie Rodriguez to finish out Archibald's term as board vice chairman.

The Quality Improvement Committee worked on the Patient Complaint Policy and would be doing some training, especially on the dashboard, which would be a topic at the board retreat.

Archibald gave her last report as Finance Committee Chairwoman. She asked for approval of the Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan, which was approved.

Several contracts and agreements were approved, including:
€¢ A four-year contract to Dr. Donald Stinar to continue as medical director of the Sleep Lab;
€¢ An amendment to extend by two months the employment agreement between Gila Regional and Dr. Alan Berkowitz as staff psychiatrist;
€¢ A one-year agreement renewable up to three years for Dr. Kendall Allred to serve on the Health Care Information Systems Committee;
€¢ A two-year agreement for Dr. Laura Davenport-Reed to serve on the Credentials Committee;
€¢ A professional services agreement to Dr. Maureen Small for one night's lodging for her to perform Continuing Medical Education;
€¢ An agreement with Dr. Sherpa to serve on the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee;
€¢ An agreement renewal for four years to Victoria Johnson for the First Born Program licensing; and
€¢ An amendment to the First Born Professional Services agreement for four years with Victoria Johnson.

The Plant and Facilities Committee met. Dr. Nwachuku noted the group is considering a building for all medical staff. "It's in its very early stages."

Garcia said the Human Resources Committee sees no major changes. Positions are being filled internally and overtime is staying low. "Contract labor is being kept under control, although it may rise."

The board went into executive session and after the session addressed usual medical staff appointments and reappointments.