The Greenwood County Hospital (GWCH) Board of Trustees approved policy updates, a proposed 2027 budget, and received positive accreditation and funding updates during its June 2 meeting.
Hospital leaders reported improving cash flow despite accounts payable remaining slightly behind schedule. CFO Butch Forrest provided a short explanation of the financials; however, noted that the April financial statements were unavailable due to delays from outside vendors, but Forrest expected April and May reports to be presented at the June 25 board meeting.
The board approved the proposed 2027 budget following discussion about projected revenues and expenses. Questions about the proposed budget were brought up by the trustees, with CEO Sandra Dickerson noting that a preliminary budget is required to be given to county commissioners in June, per state statute. It was noted that the board of trustees will again approve the revised budget in September, as the fiscal year begins. The proposed budget passed on a 3-1 vote, with Trustee JJ Smith voting no.
Quality Director Melissa Jones reported positive performance trends, including zero patient falls, improved medication scanning compliance of 80 percent, and increases in HCAHPS scores, admissions and medication scan rates.
Dickerson announced that surveyors from the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality confirmed all previously identified deficiencies had been corrected. GWCH expects to receive its accreditation letter within 7-10 business days and will not undergo another survey for three years.
The board also received updates on two funding opportunities. GWCH has beenacceptedintotheRural Hospital Transformation Program’s evidence-based care initiative and expects annual payments of about $600,000, exceeding earlier estimates. Officials also reported that approval of the Kansas provider tax program could generate roughly $700,000 in additional funding beyond current reimbursement levels.
Kansas has opened another round of Rural Health Transformation Program grants focused on community health workers and food-as-medicine initiatives. Applications are due June 19, with only seven grants available statewide.
Trustees approved 35 policy updates affecting Home Health, Nursing, Dietary and Laboratory departments, along with revisions to Medical Staff Bylaws and other operational documents. The board also approved the appointment of Craig Copelin, CRNA, Allied Health consultant; and reappointed Dr. Lohitha Kolli, teleradiology consulting.
The board entered executive session multiple times for risk management and legal discussions, with no action taken following the risk management session. Attorney Frankie Forbes also provided trustee training on fiduciary duties and executive session requirements.
The consent agenda was approved, including April meeting minutes, the Treasurer’s Report and disbursements. Payroll and benefits totaled $984,753.64, while accounts payable totaled $1,052,213.26.
The next regular meeting of the GWCH Board of Trustees is scheduled for June 25 at 5:30 p.m. in the GWCH meeting room.
