The Bradley County Medical Center Administrative Board met Thursday for its regularly scheduled meeting, with all members present.
Controller Matt Pace said several departments experienced significant increases compared with the previous year. If current trends continue, officials project a 62 percent increase in swing bed admissions and a 45 percent increase in swing bed days by the end of the year. Senior care admissions are expected to rise 7.5 percent, while home health visits are projected to increase by 12 percent.
Pace reported the hospital recorded its highest gross revenue in more than a year. Gross patient revenue for the month totaled approximately $3.8 million, while net revenue reached $1.58 million.
Despite a monthly net loss of approximately $178,000, Pace said hospital expenses remain lower than the previous year. He also noted the hospital continues to strengthen its financial position by investing more than $200,000 into certificates of deposit.
CEO/CFO Leslie Huitt said the hospital has operated this year without supplemental pandemic-era funding sources, including provider relief funds and other reimbursement programs, which has contributed to lower cash reserves. However, Huitt noted the hospital’s accounts receivable remain below industry standards at 46.2 days compared with the 50-day benchmark.
The Rural Health Clinic also reported continued growth. The clinic generated approximately $175,000 in revenue during the month and collected more than $84,000, marking its highest collection total since implementing the Meditech system. Huitt said patient encounters continue to increase, with 44 new patients seen in April alone.
Huitt credited marketing and community outreach efforts for helping drive patient growth and thanked local media partners for promoting hospital services and events.
Several staffing changes were also announced during the meeting. Paulette Tolefree, the current Rural Health Clinic manager, is retiring after 38 years of service to the hospital. Purchasing manager Terry Young is also retiring after 22 years.
Jessica Hammock will assume the role of Rural Health Clinic manager, while Ethan Gardner has been hired as the new purchasing manager. Huitt said Gardner brings experience in accounting and computer information systems.
Huitt also discussed ongoing efforts to expand telehealth services through rural health transformation initiatives. The hospital is partnering with the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to improve access to specialty care through telemedicine.
Plans include expanding emergency telehealth consultations beyond stroke care to specialties such as cardiology, gastroenterology and obstetrics. Hospital officials said the goal is to reduce unnecessary patient transfers by allowing specialists to consult remotely with emergency room physicians.
Chief Nursing Officer Jamie Wolfe announced several employee and community initiatives, including the annual MASH Camp scheduled for the week of June 15. The camp will host 12 students interested in healthcare careers and will include participation from local businesses, emergency services, veterinarians and funeral homes to provide students with hands-on exposure to medical professions.
Hospital leadership also praised staff and volunteers for a successful Hospital Week celebration, noting many activities and employee appreciation events were donated or sponsored by community organizations and local banks.
Wolfe thanked the hospital auxiliary for approving the purchase of 12 new overbed tables for the medical-surgical unit, contributing nearly $5,000 toward the project. The board approved an additional $2,000 to replace the remaining tables.
Board members also approved the purchase of two replacement laparoscopic surgery insufflation devices after a manufacturer recall rendered the previous equipment unusable. The replacement equipment is expected to cost approximately $10,000.
Additional sales tax-funded purchases included a replacement ice machine for senior care and a new storage building for hospital linens after storm damage destroyed the previous structure.
Chief Operating Officer Leeanna Williams highlighted several recent achievements, including the facility’s first cardiac rehabilitation graduate and a deficiency-free home health survey. Administrators said surveyors praised the department’s organization and preparation, describing it as one of the best surveys they had conducted.
The hospital will celebrate its 75th anniversary June 11 at 10 a.m. Family members of former physicians and special guests from congressional offices are expected to attend the event.
The board approved four annual departmental policies before adjourning into executive session. The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 25, at noon.
