Hospital Board names Wright new CFO

In regular session, the Mitchell County Hospital District's Board of Directors approved the appointment of Joe Wright as Chief Financial Officer in a four-to-two vote. The position was left vacant by former CFO Jamie Jacoby.

According to the management company's representative Jim Bullard, Jacoby "has moved on to another assignment in another location." Bullard also told board members that he has complete confidence in Wright's abilities.

"Joe has a lot of experience, and brings a lot of stability (to the position of CFO)," Bullard said.

DeLynn Hackfeld questioned the decision to move Wright from the business office at the hospital which he manages to the position of CFO.  "What happens to billing?" Hackfeld asked, meaning what will happen to the billing department without Wright's  direct leadership there.

Wright explained, "We have an extensive training plan in place."

Hackfeld questioned her fellow board members further, "Is this what we want to do?" She also conveyed concern about moving Wright out of the business office, where he does "what he's good at."

Board president Bobbie Banks was quick to express her confidence in Wright's ability to do both jobs, which he has been doing since the departure of Jacoby. "I feel very confident Joe can keep a watchful eye on both departments," Banks said.

Bullard assured the board that it is not unusual for a CFO to cover both the financial officer position and the business office manager position in a facility the size of MCHD. "His efforts in the business office will still be strong," Bullard said.

Hackfeld persisted in asking the hard questions. She expressed her concerns over the fact that members of the management team are not being replaced by permanent staff. “We totally trust you (the management group), but you’re gonna’ be gone one day.  And what do we do then?”

Bullard assured Hackfeld and the other board members that the management group has a definite plan in place.

More discussion followed the vote in which Jerry Reynolds, Hollis Gainey, Patty Pharis and Florence Bodine voted to approve the appointment of Wright and Hackfeld and Geneva Ratliff voted against.

After a closed session to further discuss the issue, Reynolds made a motion to approve a resolution that “all Mitchell County Hospital District trustees are 100% behind Joe Wright as Chief Financial Officer.” The resolution unanimously passed.

In other reports, the board heard from Toni Everett who has been writing applications for grants for the district. She reported that results from two grants were pending, one from the Brown Foundation and one from Capital Improvement.

One side of the applications that has shown need for improvement is in the community involvement area. To make progress in that area, hospital employees will hold a bake sale and barbeque plate sale, inviting the public to participate. There will be a bake sale on Friday in front of the gift shop and Bob Martin will smoke brisket for plates to be sold on February 4 at the hospital.

Jay Quebedeaux reported on strides being made at Valley Fair Lodge. He reported that the long-term care facility experienced a $200,000 profit in 2009, compared to a $125,000 loss in 2008.  He also said that the facility has attained their Medicare number, allowing them to bill Medicare for eligible patients.

“Without Medicaid, we usually get about $115 per day,” Quebedeaux said. By billing Medicare, Valley Fair could increase that number to $450-$500 per day.

The board called an election for May 8. Banks, Hackfeld and Gainey are up for election this year. Candidates have until March 8 to file.

A report on the dialysis center revealed good news for board members. The center received its Medicare certification on December 3 and currently treats 12 patients.

A representative of AccessCare reported that the sheer numbers of patients wanting to transfer to the Colorado City center have actually slowed down the process of being able to begin their care here.

AccessCare expects to be treating enough patients by the end of February to warrant expansion of their building. If the center fulfills expectations, over 30 patients will be receiving treatments and the center will need to operate six days a week.