By Jyll Phillips for the Lincoln Sentinel
(Photo by Fernando Rojas)The Lincoln County Board of Trustees met Tuesday, May 17, and heard a report from CEO Steve Granzow on the radiology upgrade project. The construction phase of project is set to begin in early August, Granzow told the board.
A $50,000 gift to the Hospital and Healthcare Foundation from the Healthcare Foundation of Lincoln County Kansas, and earmarked for the radiology project, is largely responsible for that start date. The Healthcare Foundation of Lincoln County Kansas funded the donation from monies given to them by the estate of Jane Crawford.
“That was a very helpful donation,” Granzow said.
During construction the hospital will utilize a portable X-ray machine to eliminate a disruption in radiology services.
Granzow also told the board the fall reduction program put into effect by Director of Nursing, Krista Haesemeyer and the nursing staff, shows a significant reduction in the number of falls.
“I want the board to know we take this very seriously,” Granzow said.
New ARNP to start May 31
ARNP Andrea Rinaldo will begin employment at the hospital and clinic Tuesday, May 31. Rinaldo and her husband live near Hunter. With no ties to the area, the couple moved to north central Kansas for the landscape, hunting, and rural lifestyle. Rinaldo will fill the gap left when Sara Biggs left to spend more time with her family.
Employee evaluations have been completed, according to Granzow. Merit raises can be expected soon. Selected personnel will attend the Kansas Heart and Stroke Collaborative “boot camp” in early August. This will allow for better early patient care when dealing with heart attacks or strokes.
Winckler awarded scholarship
The hospital awarded Jessica Winckler, Sylvan Grove, a $1,500 per semester scholarship to Barton Community College where she will participate in their Medical Laboratory Technology program. As a term of the scholarship, Winckler will work in the hospital’s lab after graduation in August, 2018.
Employee pensions
John Thaemert, Trust Officer with Citizens State Bank in Ellsworth, has completed his review of the employee pension fund and has informed Granzow of opportunities that exist in the current plan. Thaemert will be invited to the June meeting to discuss these opportunities with the board.
Summer food program needs volunteers
With the administrative staff in place, the summer food program, a collaborative effort between the hospital, the county health department, USD 298, and area churches, is looking for volunteers.
Foundation purchased recliners
Allan Serrien reported the Hospital and Healthcare Foundation has purchased two new recliners for the hospital.
Serrien also reminded the board of the Foundation’s golf tournament to be held in conjunction with Lincoln Alumni Weekend, June 4.
The next meeting of the hospital’s Board of Trustees will be held June 21.
