The
meeting was called to order by Chairwoman Heather O’Donnell at 9 a.m. George
Blakemore for Clean Government, spoke on the need for transparency in
government contracts. Lionel Saffold,
SEIU (Service Employees International Union) Local 1, spoke on the need to hire
responsible contractors who pay workers according to the contracts.
Four contracts were brought up for approval: 1) an
increase to the budget for hiring extra nurses through a nursing agency, 2) a
contract to GE Medical Systems for bedside monitors, 3) a contract to
Simplex-Grinnell for hospital emergency fire equipment which would result in
18% savings over the previous contract, and 4) a contract with Health Record
Solutions. Board members posed questions
on the need for using a nursing agency. All contracts were approved by the
board.
The Financial Reports through July 31st
were presented by Dorothy Loving, Executive Director of Finance. It was noted that the number of days of
outstanding revenue had decreased since the winter months. Budget deficits have also decreased compared
to the same month in 2011 due to Retroactive Payments moving faster. After listening to questions and answers,
Chairwoman O’Donnell suggested that a training program giving a broad overview
of the budget would be helpful for new board members. The Financial reports were
unanimously approved.
Dr. Raju presented the preliminary 2013 CCHHS Budget. Discussion would be held immediately and the
vote deferred to September 5 at a meeting of the entire board. Dr. Raju said during past years, quality of
care was separated from patient satisfaction, but now they plan to work on
equating these two factors. 2013 revenue
is based on payer mix by surgical procedure.
He said the new budget does not project a higher volume, and that HHSSC
has been proactive on the 1115 Waiver for early enrollment by already enrolling
60,000 patients of the 115,000 they expect to enroll and follow through 2014. As CCHHS does not currently have the ability to track and document individual costs per patient, Chairman O’Donnell noted the 1115 Waiver
gives the County the incentive to do so.
Continuing with the 2013 Budget overview Dr. Raju
noted that expenses associated with Oak Forest were moved to Stroger Hospital,
and the revenue from Oak Forest Hospital is now credited to Stroger Hospital
and ACHN (clinics). Supply chain savings
are expected to be $25 million. Vacant
positions in the system continue to be a problem. Currently there are 382 positions in the
pipeline. The 2013 budget also allocates
an additional $8 million for more information systems. Chairman O’Donnell asked for monthly reports
on the supply chain purchases, waiver implementation with early enrollment, and
meaningful use.
2013 Budget hearings will be held on August 28, August
30, and September 4. The board meeting
was adjourned at 10:20 a.m..
--Submitted by Eleanor Prince, League Observer
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