(Observed remotely.)
It was noted in the Consent Agenda that that CC Linstroth was elected Chair and Robert Morrison was elected Vice Chair of the Northfield Hospital Foundation.
Tammy Hayes, CNE, reported that the Birthing Center at NH&C has received a Birthing Friendly Designation award.
Vern Lougheed (IT/ITS) reported that NH&C did not escape unscathed from the Change Healthcare cyber attack on the health payment sector. While NH&C did not deal directly with Optimum Health, 3 of their vendors did. Claims processing is being restored and no long-term problems are anticipated, but some claims processing is delayed. The events prompted NH&C to switch two of their vendors and to consider the need for redundancy in the systems. Some patient data may have been breached in the attack. It is anticipated that insurers will cover costs created by the attack. CEO Underdahl thanked the IT staff for their intense efforts to deal with the crisis, and the Board gave the IT staff a round of applause.
Steve Underdahl (CEO) reminded the Board that a goal for 2024 was to balance the budget and recent data suggested progress is being made. Underdahl thanked the Do The Next Right Thing Honorees and the entire staff for their efforts to improve patient experiences at NH&C. He also noted that Healogics had recognized the the Wound Center at NH&C as a “Center of Distinction” indicating that it is in the top 5% and 10% of centers nationwide. Underdahl also reported that the retirement plan for public sector employees, PERA, was considering changes in the exit plan for institutions.
Eric Guth (CFO) reported that volumes and Revenue were up for the month of Feb. while expenses were down. The Operating Loss for the month was -$113,000 while the budgeted loss was almost one million dollars. It is anticipated that the financial problems created by the delay in claims processing described above, can be covered by the hospital’s investments and reserves, unlike many facilities.
