Northfield Hospital Board observation notes, 10-26-23
A large portion of this meeting concerned the ongoing development of a hospital foundation which allows people to donate money to support the efforts of the hospital. This is currently in the first year of a three year process. Julie Nikolai (the director of marketing) and Teresa Knoedler (legal counsel) presented.
There are many reasons why this foundation is needed including supporting the work of the
staff, ensuring future success of the hospital, supplying education and equipment, and allowing people to thank the hospital for their care, or the care of a loved one.
The foundation has two fund options: The General Fund, and The Cancer Care Fund.
The funds have already been used to purchase clothing and blankets, monitors, tablets, and
staff training.
Right now, in year one, they are developing a board, a website, and brochures. They are
beginning to ask staff for what they might need and they are developing a process for deciding who gets what.
There was some concern about this foundation draining resources from other organizations
such as Health Partners and the Hospital Auxiliary. It was pointed out that many people who
donate to the foundation will live out of town (family members of patients) and would probably not be donating to other community organizations.
Much discussion involved a possible revision to the by-laws of the foundation and how the
foundation board will work with the hospital board.
The CEO report, given by Steve Underdahl, included a discussion of concerns that have been expressed by the community regarding the closing of the Long Term Care Center and the hospice program, as well as the closing of the Lonsdale clinic. The community should
understand that these programs overlapped with services that can be accessed in other ways.
There needs to be better communication about the City of Northfield/Hospital financial
relationship. People are spreading misinformation online.
The hospital is working on what will be done with the space vacated by the Long Term Care
Center.
The hospital continues to struggle with acute mental health cases coming to the emergency
room. There are not enough resources for treating mental health and patients are coming to the hospital in acute crisis conditions. There have been some violent episodes. Efforts are being made to expand local mental health resources and Faribault will soon have expanded services.
There are some new resources for the emergency department including a new telemedicine
service and an infectious disease remote service.
There is concern about the new Earned Sick and Safe Time law which goes into effect on 1/1/24 which will be an additional expense for the hospital.
The financial report from Eric Guth noted that the hospital lost 1.5 million dollars in the month of September. Factors included the closing of the LTC and hospice programs and overlapping staffing issues, low patient volume, rising hospital staff insurance claims, and the ongoing issue of the Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement gap. Work is being done on some investment changes involving less risk.
The hospital board will have a retreat at the Weitz Center on Friday November 3rd.
Respectfully submitted by Anne Larson
