Newman Regional Health has selected an equipment project that could receive funding from Lyon County if commissioners approve later this year.
The hospital’s Board of Trustees has approved an upgrade of the Jones Breast Care Center’s mammography equipment and other related diagnostic equipment. Chief Executive Officer Bob Wright says the current equipment is approaching 10 years old, so it’s due for a replacement.
The hospital will submit a $380,000 request for the mammography equipment.
The hospital’s decision came shortly after a joint meeting with Lyon County commissioners. Before the board’s decision, Commission Chair Rollie Martin says county support is important because of the hospital’s place in the community and the area.
The County Commission will consider the purchase once it’s formally submitted.
In other hospital news, Wright says the hospital is getting more consistent guidance on COVID-19 relief reimbursement policies from the federal government, although the final policies won’t be set until July. The hospital has started repaying over $10 million in special Medicare funding through withholdings, and around $1 million has been repaid through that method.
Wright also says inpatient volume is “lagging,” but outpatient, emergency room and clinic volumes are increasing as are elective procedures. With those trends in place, the hospital is moving towards recruiting more physicians to handle the increased demand.
