Hospital fundraiser deemed success

The Winslow Memorial Hospital Board of Directors met at La Posada on Wednesday and heard Administrator Anita Warboys describe the "Win-Win" card fundraising project as a success. She said Fundraiser Coordinator Tex Cavin had deposited approximately $1,500 from card sales and that much more was still out with employees, board members and service organizations.

The project is expected to generate some $12,000 for a nursing scholarship program through the sale of "Win-Win" cards which will give customers discounts at 15 local businesses as described on the back of the card. Warboys said that she had heard reports of the card being well received by both participating merchants and customers who find it has all of the advantages of coupons with none of the inconveniences. It also provides a valuable discount for an entire year and not just on a one-time basis.

Warboys reported that the hospital had experienced admissions and out patient services below what was budgeted for December. As a result, the facility experienced a loss for the month more than that which had been budgeted.

She reported that a committee had been formed to review files from patients who have been discharged without being billed. Many old accounts were discovered and proper actions taken. The committee will continue such reviews with the goal of generating a bill within seven days of a patient's discharge.

Warboys reported that she has done numerous phone interviews for the vacant controller position and plans an on-site interview with one applicant soon and possibly will do another in the near future.

A surgeon from Massachusetts is in the process of getting his credentials in order and may soon be working locum tenens (temporary status). He may be interested in applying for a permanent position. Several other surgeons are also under consideration.

Much discussion was generated by the status of bids on the physical therapy unit project. The board determined to have staff review the bids with the bidders for clarification and to give them the chance to alter their bids to account for the use of hospital materials and hospital personnel for some of the work.

Board Chairman Gordon McHood reported that members might want to attend a meeting of trustees set for May 11 in Flagstaff.

Board Member Adrienne Sanchez raised several topics, including a suggestion that the hospital look into the possibility of generating electricity for its own use and for sale. It was stated that the hospital does have a generator, but that it is in need of repairs. There was a consensus that this should be investigated for cost and practicality.

Board Member Joe Estudillo said that he will have conflict with the Wednesday meetings and might not stand for a second term if those conflicts remain. After much discussion, the board decided to hold the next meeting at 3 p.m. instead of noon, which was seen by some as an easier time to meet.

Dr. Salvador Lee said that the hospital's insurance plan does not use the hospital as a provider. He said that many hospital employees and employees at the Arizona State Prison had not been informed that neither WMH nor Winslow doctors were listed as providers. Warboys said that the hospital is working on the problem.

Present at the meeting were McHood, Estudillo, Sanchez, Larry Pane, Loren Hardy and Rhonda Greer. The next meeting of the board is slated for Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. in the hospital conference room.

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