September 2011 – Department Manager Meeting Minutes

September 28, 2011

Attendance: Kris Bombard, Randy Ulseth, Dawn Plested, Chris Kimbler, Ellen Ryan, Myrna Sampson, Katie Kerr, Deb Wright, Erik Olson, Bob Woods, Kim Carlson, Sue Belford, Diane Bankers, Brent Thompson, Karen Renaud, Stacey Heins

Absent: Bill Kellogg, Pat Runquist, Fran Kacon, Jo DeFeyter

Hospital Board/Financial Update – Randy Ulseth

  • Strategic planning retreat was held on September 13th. A set of goals and strategies were established. Randy will be meeting with consultant in a few weeks to review final results.
  • Auxiliary bylaws have been reviewed.
  • Nominating committee met and will meet again at the end of October to review potential FirstLight Health System board candidates.
  • CFO candidate has accepted the position – will begin orientation on October 10th.
  • Last employee picnic of 2011 will be a pig roast – donated by board members.
  • Two pieces of property are being looked at to purchase. The owner of the land west of the Pine City clinic has accepted the board’s offer. The property located at 419 E. Forest is still being negotiated.
  • Financials for August were reviewed. Business Office is doing a great job with collections.

Human Resource Update/Kim Carlson

  • Discussion on cell phone use. A statement regarding guidelines and expectations of cell phone use is being place in our Code of Conduct policy. The policy is to be reviewed by all new and current employees annually.
  • Investigation timelines were reviewed. Be aware of the timeliness of the situation and bring issues forward as soon as possible.
  • Discussion on adjustment of employee schedules. Accommodation of occasional schedule change requests will be done at the department level based on patient needs, departmental needs and to ensure adequate coverage. Requests must be pre-approved by department manager within timeframe to ensure coverage.
  • Press Ganey surveys will be sent out to employees before year end. Managers are to take a look at department action plans and accomplishments since last survey.

Quality Update/Ellen Ryan

  • Teresa Nelson has been contracted as the Grant Writer for the school, county, city and hospital. Managers are asked to contact Ellen if you are aware of any grant opportunities.
  • Reminder of upcoming Joint Commission Survey. This will be an unannounced survey. If you have any questions or concerns about the survey – contact Ellen Ryan.

Other

  • Reminder to schedule departmental meetings with Randy – contact Kris to schedule.
  • There has been a lot of physician recruitment activity. Several candidates have visited the facility and satellite clinics.
  • Community Walk is October 1st
  • Women’s Health Event is October 27th
  • New billboards and ads are being rolled out. Newsletters have been mailed out.
  • Well Clicks patient portal system will be launched next week – a lunch and learn will be scheduled.
  • Employee fund will be having a pumpkin carving contest.
  • Sara Helmbrecht has returned from maternity leave.
  • Tim Patenaude has accepted the Clinical IT position.
  • Stress testing will be moving to the clinic setting in January.
  • Imaging will be starting CT angiography studies.
  • Stacey Heins will be relocating to the clinic.
  • EDM module goes live in October.
  • IV pump transition in November.
  • PT has started aquatic therapy at the Americinn.
  • Facility Operations manager interviews will begin next week – there are 4 potential candidates.