Newman Regional Health’s Board of Trustees approved new central monitoring equipment and discussed community health matters as part of its meeting this week.
Board members approved new central monitoring equipment at a cost of $180,000. Chief Executive Officer Cathy Pimple says this is a needed upgrade.
Audio PlayerSeparately, the board discussed trends through a Community Health Needs Assessment. Pimple called the discussion a “broad-brush” update, recognizing ongoing collaborations between Newman Regional Health, CareArc and CrossWinds Counseling and Wellness.
Audio PlayerNewman Regional, CareArc and CrossWinds will meet next week to further discuss the assessment and plans to meet local and area needs. Pimple says there are understandable concerns about access to primary care because care has become less readily accessible to rural residents over time.
There are also new levels of work between Newman Regional Health and its strategic alliance partners, LMH Health and University of Kansas Health System. Pimple says there will be conversations about how to increase those partnerships and meet area health needs.
The hospital reported a year-to-date net loss of almost $90,000, but that was about $800,000 better than the budgeted loss.
