Welch Cancer Center

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Taking
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●  Jan 30 2008   ●  Feb 27 2008   ●  April 2 2008  

Board meeting minutes are added to this page after they are officially approved at the next month's regular meeting.

 
SHERIDAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL  BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEETING MINUTES --  April 2, 2008                5:00  P.M.

MEMBERS PRESENT:       Anthony Spiegelberg, Michael Strahan, M.D., Bill Huppert, and Dixie See

MEMBERS ABSENT:         Ron Mischke, Harlan Rasmussen, Gary Miller

Anthony Spiegelberg called the meeting to order at 5 p.m.

APPROVAL MINUTES
The previous meeting minutes of February 27, 2008 were reviewed.  After review, Bill Huppert made a motion to approve the minutes, Dixie See seconded the motion and motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.

QUALITY COMMITTEE REPORT
Lajune Bacon reviewed the Service Excellence Score Card, noting that Avatar scores continue to go up.  Mrs. Bacon reported on some of the patient safety issues the hospital is focusing on:

Ø      Patient Medication Reconciliation Project

Ø      Joint Commission Patient Safety Goals - Timeliness of reporting and receiving clinical lab results

Ø      Noise reduction in hospital – the Quality Council is looking at this, especially in patient care areas.

Mike McCafferty reported that in the past, Quality Forums were held and individual departments reported their quality projects by the use of story boards.  Instead of 48 different projects, four projects each month are now identified and reported to Quality Council for a more organizational performance. Mr. McCafferty said that there has been improvement in all core measures.  Dr. Hanebrink said that he is proud of the medical staff who are very open to this quality structure.

There was discussion with regard to HCAPS, a publicly reported survey of hospital patients’ perspectives of their care.  The Board asked what types of questions were given to patients, the categories, and how this is measured.  Lajune Bacon will have the information available for the April 30^th meeting.

MEDICAL STAFF REPORT
Dr. Hanebrink reported that there was a good turnout for the March Quarterly Staff Meeting which was his first since assuming the role of Chief of Staff.  Dr. Hanebrink said there is general overall support to develop a Credentials Committee, but this has not been done as there are some minor changes that will need to be made to the Medical Staff Bylaws. 

Mike McCafferty noted that Dr. Strahan gave an excellent presentation at the Quarterly Staff Meeting on flu epidemic.  Dr. Strahan serves as the Sheridan County Health Officer and summed up what would happen if there was a Pandemic Flu outbreak.

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
Ed Johlman reported that the Finance Committee met before the meeting and reviewed the financials.  February was a very busy month and produced strong financial results.  The Accounts Receivable Department is at full staff and showing good improvement. Mr. Johlman said that the new capital budget will be reviewed at the April 30^th Board meeting.  There will be a special meeting of the Finance Committee before the May Board Meeting for review of the operating budget.  County Commissioner, Steve Maier, said that a preliminary budget meeting with the hospital and the commissioners will need to be scheduled soon.

FOUNDATION REPORT
Tom Ringley gave a reminder of the Foundation Benefit on Saturday, April 26^th with proceeds to benefit the Transitional Care Unit. Mr. Ringley noted that in 2004 the hospital received $100,000 from the Griffith Foundation for help with IMRT, along with a pledge from the Welch Foundation.  IMRT is now completely paid for with the final payment of $50,000 received from the Welch Foundation.  Mr. Spiegelberg expressed his appreciation for the generosity of these foundations.

BUILDING COMMITTEE
Dixie See reported that the enclosure in the back of the cafeteria is near completion. A bid of $373,559 was received from JBD contractor for the dialysis unit remodel.  Dixie See made a motion to accept the bid of $373,559 from JBD, Bill Huppert seconded the motion and motion carried.

Rob Forister explained that the dialysis area will be a total of 4,000 square feet which is double the capacity of the current space and much easier access for patients. Total cost of the project is $720,000, with electrical at $200,000 and $150,000 for plumbing.

Mike McCafferty explained that Rob Forister and his staff are going to be the general over the electrical and plumbing with subcontracting bids for this and the construction requested separately.  The subcontractors for electrical and plumbing are Modern Electric and Zowada Plumbing.  Dixie See made a motion to accept the two estimates from Modern Electric and Zowada Plumbing, not to exceed a total of $350,000.  Dr. Strahan seconded the motion and motion carried.

Rob Forister noted that there will be an additional cost of $50,000 - $100,000 for a water treatment system for dialysis.  Tom Ringley said that the Foundation has some additional funding for dialysis to help with these costs.  Anthony Spiegelberg asked about parking for dialysis patients and Rob Forister said there are currently spaces available and there are plans to add extra spaces.

ADMINISTRATION REPORT
Mike McCafferty reported that Peggy Callantine will give a tour to the Board  after today’s meeting of the newly renovated operating rooms.

Sheridan Surgical Center - Mike McCafferty said there is no new news at this time, but is hopeful for some dialogue in the near future.

Tracey Coe, MD - Mr. McCafferty reported that Medical Oncologist, Tracy Coe, began working at the Welch Cancer Center yesterday and will be residing in Sheridan.  Dr. Coe comes to Sheridan from Joplin, Missouri and Mr. McCafferty said the hospital is very  happy to have Dr. Coe in the community.  There is now a full compliment of cancer care at the Welch Cancer Center. 

Physician Training – Mike McCafferty stated that the workshop on “How to Run a More Profitable Practice” held on March 19^th was very beneficial.  Physicians and their office staff were invited to this one day workshop presented by Conomikes Associates, Inc. and Mr. McCafferty said that other workshops will be offered in the future for physician offices. 

Legislative Updates - Mike McCafferty gave updates on bills passed at the recent legislative session which could benefit the hospital: 

Ø      State assistance for un-reimbursed trauma care

Ø      Funding to assist hospitals in recruitment of physicians

Ø      Immunity from liability for healthcare providers with inactive license

Ø      Ability by county hospitals to participate in the Wyoming State Retirement Program

Mike McCafferty introduced Iris Hehn, ICU/ER Manager, noting that Mrs. Hehn has recently taken a leadership position and is doing a great job.  

Information Systems - Anthony Spiegelberg asked for an update on the hospital information systems.  Mr. McCafferty said that the new CIO, Mr. Nyle Morgan, is expected to start in his position early spring.  Assessment of the plans for IT are continuing to move forward and Mr. Morgan will be brought in for these discussions.  Mr. McCafferty said that the physicians have been extremely helpful with their input during this process.

Accounts Receivable Plan - Ed Johlman passed out a copy of the Accounts Receivable Plan to the Board.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.

Recorder, Joanne Redder
Dixie See, Secretary


SHERIDAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL  BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEETING MINUTES --  February 27, 2008                5:00  P.M.

MEMBERS PRESENT:         Anthony Spiegelberg, Harlan Rasmussen, Ron Mischke, Gary Miller, and Bill Huppert.

MEMBERS ABSENT:           Dixie See, Michael Strahan, M.D.

Anthony Spiegelberg called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The previous meeting minutes of January 30, 2008 were reviewed.  Gary Miller noted that he was not at the meeting, but was listed as both present and absent.  Harlan Rasmussen made a motion to approve the minutes with the one correction noted, Gary Miller seconded the motion and motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Sheridan County Commissioner, Mr. Steve Maier, thanked the hospital for the great care he received as a recent patient.  Harlan Rasmussen echoed Mr. Maier’s comments for his wife’s recent stay.

QUALITY COMMITTEE REPORT
Lajune Bacon, Quality Services Manager, reviewed the Service Excellence Score Card, noting that the Avatar scores are looking better and two departments (Emergency & Women’s Health) have qualified to receive an award with points above the mean.

Employee turnover was discussed and Len Gross, Human Resources Director stated that most of the turnover is in the non-clinical areas, with only 2% turnover for registered nurses. 

Lajune Bacon reviewed the National Patient Safety Goals regarding patient medications and explained that the hospital is working on medication reconciliation.  When a patient comes to the hospital, they are asked to list all medications they take (prescribed and over-the-counter), when they take them, and when they took their last medication.  This list is reconciled with any medications they are prescribed during their hospital stay.  Patients will then have a complete medication list on their discharge from the hospital.

Rob Forister presented a Quality Improvement Project from the Facilities Department.  Mr. Forister said that the department found a way to meet the hospital’s demands for steam for instrument sterilization, while cutting down on the hospital’s gas bill.  Central Sterilization requires a certain amount of pressure and during peak demand, the pressure falls below the minimum level.  Facilities installed a switch that is set to a higher steam pressure and the CS staff can turn it on when they need it for sterilization and off when they leave.  Not having to maintain a higher amount of steam pressure at all times has saved the hospital $4,000 a two month period.

Kirsi Ludwig, Pharmacy Manager, noted that requests have been received from physicians to provide immunizations through Sheridan Pharmacy.   Pharmacists are currently not allowed to administer immunizations, but four hospital pharmacists recently traveled to Laramie for training and certification.

The pharmacists will then be able to administer immunizations through the Pharmacy. These are currently being provided by a registered nurse. 

MEDICAL STAFF REPORT
Chief of Staff, Brad Hanebrink, D.O. presented several applications for medical staff privileges and these will be reviewed in close session at the end of the meeting.

Dr. Hanebrink reported that a meeting was held this week with some VA Medical Center physicians regarding ways to improve communication between the hospital and VA at the time of patient transfer.

Dr. Hanebrink noted that three physicians have volunteered to work on the Credentials Committee.  In order to help insure quality in physician credentialing, members of the committee will phone references and may travel for personal interviews.  This will be taken to the next Quarterly Medical Staff Meeting for ratification and then back to the Board.

Dr. Hanebrink reported that Dennis Ellis is the new president of the Wyoming Medical Society and there is an increasing number of physicians who want to join the WMS.  A phone meeting was recently held with regard to Medicaid, Medicare, and Patient Safety.

ADMINISTRATION REPORT
Joint Commission Mock Survey Update - Mike McCafferty reported that Joint Commission Mock Surveyor, Mr. Dale Brown, conducted an unannounced mock survey last week.  Mr. McCafferty said that Mr. Brown, who works with VHA, gave a verbal report and a written response will follow.  Anthony Spiegelberg asked for a summary of this report when it is received and this will be provided.  Mr. McCafferty explained that the Joint Commission now uses the tracer methodology which means that they follow a patient’s care throughout their hospital stay. 

Townhouses - Mike McCafferty explained that, through the process of recently purchasing two townhouses, the hospital needed to develop a non-profit holding company which has been named Saberton, Inc.  The company will give the hospital better flexibility and the townhouses will be used to house traveling physicians and staff.

Harlan Rasmussen made a motion to ratify and approve the establishment of Saberton, Inc., a non-profit corporation, with the Board of Trustees being the Board for the corporation.  Ron Mischke seconded the motion and motion carried.  Harlan Rasmussen asked how income and expenses will be handled.  Ed Johlman explained that the townhouses will not be income producing and the operation will be run through the hospital as a not for profit corporation.

Surgery Center Update - Mike McCafferty reported that another Letter of Intent may be signed with Sheridan Surgical Center for another 30 days in order to continue negotiations.  Mr. McCafferty said that he met last week with owners of SSC as well as other surgeons in the   community who are not owners of the SSC.  Mr. McCafferty stated that it was a very positive discussion and the hospital will be providing SSC information on their credentialing process.  Anthony Spiegelberg and Dr. Michael Strahan have also been part of these discussions.

Anthony Spiegelberg reported that when the Governor was at the Welch Cancer Center in January, the hospital shared their concerns regarding timing for project approval by the state.  Mr. Spiegelberg and Mike McCafferty were recently informed that the Department of Health has approved two positions for that department and the hospital now has local jurisdiction through the city.  The city can do plan reviews, all except for life safety, which will help in more timely project approval.

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
Gary Miller reported that the Finance Committee met prior to the meeting and reviewed the vouchers and financial statements.  Mr. Miller said that January was another very strong month revenue wise.  There was concern expressed with regard to the accounts receivable.  Ed Johlman reported that a plan has been put together and felt that a significant improvement will be seen by March.  Anthony Spiegelberg asked if each Board Meeting could have a copy of the accounts receivable report and Mr. Johlman will provide this report.  Mike McCafferty thanked Ed Johlman and his staff for their work on accounts receivable and a planning meeting will be scheduled for the following week.

Capital Equipment Requests - Two capital request items were presented for approval.

Sleep Study Monitors - A request was submitted for the purchase of two crystal monitors, at a cost of $15,000 each, a necessary upgrade for the new sleep study lab.  Bill Huppert moved to approve $30,000 for two crystal monitors, motion was seconded and passed. Gary Miller abstained.

CAD system - A request was submitted for purchase of the CAD system, a 3D work station which attaches to the recently purchased breast coil.  The cost of the CAD system is $59,000.  Radiology Manager, Chris Bilyeu, explained that this system is a very important piece to the department’s breast program.  The Board questioned why this was not presented with the request for the coil.  Mr. Bilyeu said that he was not aware of the system at that time.  Mr. McCafferty stated that this has been reviewed and discussed by both Radiologists, the Radiology Department, as well we the Medical Executive Committee.  The hospital will pay for the CAD system, in part, using savings from the Cafeteria Expansion Project ($25,000) and savings from the MRI Breast Coil purchase ($12,000). 

After further discussion, Gary Miller made a motion to approve $59,000 for purchase of the CAD system, Bill Huppert seconded the motion and motion carried.

Ron Mischke noted that the rise in revenues shows the community has faith and confidence in our hospital and thanked all staff.

Anthony Spiegelberg followed by saying that hospital staff has grown by 40-50 employees due to gross revenues which is good economic development for the community.

FOUNDATION REPORT
Tom Ringley reported that the Foundation is working on their 7^th annual benefit which is scheduled for April 26, 2008.   All proceeds will benefit the hospital’s Transitional Care Unit.

BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT
Harlan Rasmussen gave an update from the Building Committee.

Ø      Rob Forister is meeting with contractors on the Dialysis Project.

Ø      Facilities is awaiting materials to proceed with the cafeteria expansion.

Ø      The remodeling of the Saunders Building is ongoing.

Ø      The Pharmacy Project is awaiting state action.

Ø      The OR renovations are on hold.

Ø      Three more rooms in the TCU remain to be painted.

Ø      The Medical Arts Complex parking lot needs are being discussed, as well as repairs to the ambulance driveway

Ø      The front entrance canopy still needs to be addressed

OTHER BUSINESS
Mike McCafferty thanked Amy Mehlhaff, Medical Staff Coordinator, for the excellent job she has done since joining the hospital. 

Anthony Spiegelberg reported that he received a letter from the Mayor and City Council encouraging participation in the City Administrator process.  Gary Miller noted that elections will be held at the Senior Center and encouraged the Board to tour the facility while they are there.

The meeting then adjourned into executive session at 6:50 p.m.
The open meeting re-convened at 7:15 p.m.
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The following medical staff applications were presented for approval:

Blaine J. Ruby, M.D. - Dr. Ruby is requesting Courtesy Staff privileges in the Department of Surgery, specializing in General/Vascular Surgery.  Harlan Rasmussen made a motion to approve Dr. Blaine Ruby for privileges as requested.  Ron Mischke seconded the motion and motion carried.

Tracy Lynn Amadio, APRN, FNP-C - Ms. Amadio is requesting privileges as a Dependent Limited Health Care Practitioner in the Department of Medicine as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.  Ms. Amadio will be working with Dr. Kent Katz, Gastroenterologist.  Harlan Rasmussen made a motion to approve Tracy Lynn Amadio for privileges as requested.  Bill Huppert seconded the motion and motion carried.

Perry Elizabeth Grey, PsyD - Ms. Grey is requesting privileges as a Provisional Independent Limited Health Care Practitioner in the Departments of Medicine and OB/Peds as a Licensed Psychologist.  Ms. Grey is employed at the Northern Wyoming Mental Health Center.  Ron Mischke made a motion to approve Perry Elizabeth Grey for privileges as requested.  Gary Miller seconded the motion and motion carried.

Virginia Sue Vassen, MSW, LCSW - Ms. Vassen is requesting privileges as an Independent Limited Health Care Practitioner in the Departments of Medicine and OB/Peds as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.  Ms. Vassen is employed at the Northern Wyoming Mental Health Center.  Gary Miller made a motion to approve Virginia Sue Vassen for privileges as requested.  Ron Mischke seconded the motion and motion carried.

Patricia Laura Erwin, MSW, LCSW - Ms. Erwin is requesting privileges as an Independent Limited Health Care Practitioner in the Department of Medicine as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.  Ms. Erwin is employed through the Support Independence Program at the Northern Wyoming Mental Health Center.  Bill Huppert made a motion to approve Patricia Laura Erwin for privileges as requested.  Ron Mischke seconded the motion and motion carried.

Harlan Rasmussen also made a motion to direct Administration to work out a way to reasonably compensate the Chief of Staff.  Bill Huppert seconded the motion and motion carried.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

Recorder, Joanne Redder
Dixie See, Secretary

SHERIDAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL  BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEETING MINUTES --  JANUARY 30, 2008                5:00  P.M.

MEMBERS PRESENT:   Anthony Spiegelberg, Harlan Rasmussen, Ron Mischke, Dixie See, Michael Strahan, M.D., Bill Huppert.

MEMBERS ABSENT:           Gary Miller.

Anthony Spiegelberg called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The previous meeting minutes of January 9, 2008 were reviewed.  After review, Harlan Rasmussen made a motion to approve the minutes, Ron Mischke seconded the motion and motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments

QUALITY COMMITTEE REPORT
Ron Mischke, Chairman of the Quality Council, was not able to be present at the January 16 meeting and Lajune Bacon, Quality Services Manager, reviewed the meeting discussion and Service Excellence Scorecard.  It was reported that the Avatar numbers are consistently improving and Mrs. Bacon noted that the Quality Improvement Plan, after June, 2008, will follow the fiscal year.

Lajune Bacon reported that Shannon Boint, Med/Surg Manager, took the results from the department’s employee satisfaction survey to create a communication plan.  Len Gross, Human Resource Manager, reviewed results of the Employee Workforce Satisfaction Survey with the Board and introduced Shannon Boint.  Mrs. Boint explained that she wanted to find a better way to communicate with the large number of staff working in the med/surg area.  A communication handbook was developed, along with a weekly communication sheet.  Mrs. Boint said that this will be measured again in March.

MEDICAL STAFF REPORT
Dr. Bradley Hanebrink moved into his position as Chief of Staff on January 1, 2008 and informed the Board that he will attend a “Boot Camp” for physician leaders in February to become better educated in his new position. 

Medical Staff Credentials - Dr. Hanebrink presented one application for medical staff privileges and stated that the application was reviewed and approved by the Medicine Committee as well as the Medical Executive Committee.  Dr. Hanebrink said he was comfortable in recommending the privileges requested.

Kathleen M. Phillips, MA,PMFT - Ms. Phillips is requesting privileges as an Independent Limited Health Care Practitioner in the Department of Medicine, specializing in mental health and marriage and family therapy.  Ms. Phillips is currently working at Northern Wyoming Mental Health. 

A cover sheet will now be part of the new medical staff credential files that contains signatures of all appropriate department chairmen as well as the Chief of Staff.

After review of the file, Harlan Rasmussen made a motion to grant Independent Limited Health Care Practitioner privileges to Kathleen M. Phillips.  Dr. Strahan seconded the motion and motion carried.

Dr. Hanebrink informed the Board that the Medical Executive Committee is looking at a Credentials Committee to do the initial review of new medical staff applicants, which will provide another layer of confidence.  Dr. Hanebrink noted that this is happening nation-wide and will be discussed at the March Quarterly Staff Meeting.  Dr. Strahan felt it would be a good idea for this new committee to receive education as to what a credentials committee does. 

Anthony Spiegelberg asked if the medical staff was involved in anything at the state level.  Dr. Hanebrink said he is a member of the Wyoming Medical Society and will attend a meeting on Saturday, February 2^nd in Cheyenne to learn more about state issues. 

ADMINISTRATION REPORT
Surgery Center Update - Mike McCafferty reported that the hospital has put forth an offer, contingent upon the financial study, to Sheridan Surgical Center based on information they provided.  The hospital is asking for a response by February 12, 2008.

Sleep Center - Mike McCafferty reported that approximately one year ago discussion began with Thomas Mayer, M.D. of Sheridan Neurology to work collaboratively on providing sleep studies.  Mr. McCafferty stated that the hospital would be the majority owner of the newly formed Cloud Peak Sleep Specialist, LLC which will be located at Dr. Mayer’s office.   The new operation will be open to patients on February 4, 2008.

Marketing Report - Danae Brandjord, Marketing Manager, presented the hospital’s new CD that will be used as a new marketing tool for recruiting physicians and staff.  Mrs. Brandjord said it was a collaborative effort and welcomed feedback from the Board.  Mike McCafferty commended Len Gross, HR Director, and Danae for their excellent work in development of the CD. 

Environment of Care Plans - Rob Forister, Facilities Manager, presented the hospital’s Environment of Care Plans for Fire Safety, Safety Management, Security Management, Medical Equipment Management, Hazardous Materials, and Utilities Management.  Mr. Forister said that all plans have been reviewed by the Safety Committee and meet all Joint Commission requirements. The plans are updated annually.  

Ron Mischke made a motion to approve the Environment of Care Plans, Dixie seconded the motion and motion carried. 

Marketing Plan - Danae Brandjord, Marketing Manager, and LaNora Dixon, Program Development Manager, presented information on the hospital’s marketing plan which is part of the overall strategic plan.

Market Analysis Tool  -  LaNora Dixon reported that in November the hospital partnered with a company to look at a market analysis tool which will provide demographic and market information, competitor analysis, identification of growth patterns, physician need analysis by specialty, etc. 

Community Perception Survey - Danae Brandjord said that one of the hospital’s goals is to complete a community perception survey in order to develop a baseline of community opinion of Sheridan Memorial Hospital.  As part of the survey, a research company will conduct a telephone survey of Sheridan households.  The survey results will be used to improve services to the community.

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
Financial Statements -Ron Mischke, in Gary Miller’s absence, reported that the Finance Committee reviewed the vouchers prior to the meeting.  The financial statements were reviewed and Ed Johlman stated that December, 2007 was the second busiest year of the current fiscal year.  Patient days were over budget in TCU as well as ICU.

Supply expense and the high accounts receivable were of concern and it was asked that a plan be submitted at the February meeting.  There was also concern with regard to the contract labor costs, ED locum physicians, nursing, etc.  Mr. Johlman said that ED locums are not a huge expense because the hospital does not pay benefits.  The higher expenses are for contract nurses and physical therapists.

Capital Requests - Ed Johlman presented two unbudgeted capital requests.  The first is the new Wireless Internet Project for $50,000 which will allow internet to be available throughout the hospital, including the Medical Arts Complex and Welch Cancer Center.  The second is the $40,000 request for two additional laparoscopic cameras which was re-submitted for approval. The cameras were submitted to the Board at the January 9, 2008 meeting, but had not been approved by the appropriate medical staff department(s).   Mr. Johlman said to fund these projects, $60,000 will be removed that was budgeted for IT Single Sign-On (this will be completed later as part of the IS Project) and $25,000 in savings from the cafeteria remodel.

Wireless Presentation - Bridgette Wiley, Interim IS Manager, gave a presentation to the Board on the new Wireless Project Proposal.  Ms. Wiley explained that implementing a wireless network will maximize provider access to medical records, beside vital measurements and monitoring data.  It will also improve patient safety and efficient care planning processes.

The Board asked about security and it was explained that security will not be an issue as access codes will be required. Administration supports this project as well as the medical staff.

After discussion Harlan Rasmussen made a motion to approve the $40,000 for two laparoscopic cameras, Bill Huppert seconded the motion and motion carried.

Dixie See made a motion to move ahead with implementing the wireless network, Harlan Rasmussen seconded the motion and motion carried.  Dr. Strahan abstained.

FOUNDATION REPORT
Tom Ringley reported that the Watt Foundation has given an additional $250,000 toward the Dialysis Project, in addition to their previous commitment of $500,000.  The additional $250,000 is needed with the new plan to move dialysis to the basement under the Emergency Department.  The Dialysis Unit will be named the Joe & Arlene Watt Dialysis.  The Board said they were very grateful for the incredible generosity of the Watt Foundation. 

BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT
It was reported that the Dialysis Project is on schedule, with construction documents nearly complete.

There was discussion with regard to how long it takes for project approval by the state which has been an ongoing problem.  Rob Forister noted that there is a provision for emergency projects, as was the case for the cafeteria project due to freezing pipes.  The Board asked what they could do to help with this problem and Mr. Forister will explore the process.  It was noted that the Governor will be visiting the Welch Cancer Center on January 31^st and Rob Forister will share the Board’s concerns at that time.

Rob Forister said that the Cafeteria Project is under budget and should be complete within the next few months.

Rob Forister reported that the Building Committee is involved in other strategic planning, i.e. parking issues, and the need for more space at the Welch Cancer Center (which could be another problem if state project approval is not addressed).

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned into executive session at 6:45 p.m.

The open meeting reconvened at 7:10 p.m.

Harlan Rasmussen moved that Sheridan Memorial Hospital purchase two townhouses located on Easy Street in Sheridan, Wyoming at $170,000 per unit.  The motion was seconded and passed.  Dixie See abstained.

Mike McCafferty explained that, in the past, the hospital has used townhouses for traveling physicians and staff and these units may also be utilized for new staff who may not be able to find immediate housing.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

Recorder,  Joanne Redder
Dixie See, Secretary