Health and Hospitals System Board Meeting April 19, 2013

The meeting was called to order by Chairman David Carvalho at 8:05 am.  Public Speakers from Stroger Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit complained about staffing cuts and the “delayed, defunct hiring situation.” Carvalho said these concerns should be addressed by the appropriate CCHHS committee.

Board/committee reports: Quality and Patient Safety chair Ed Michael reported that clinic services continue to improve.  Finance committee chair Heather O’Donnell spoke of the expanded, $7.5m Sodexo contract and efforts to prevent revenue leakage.  Susan Green, Director of Managed Care, reported that there are now 38,000 applicants for CountyCare services.  Beginning May 1, applications must be submitted to the state of Illinois to verify citizenship.  Legal residents for 5 years and US citizens are eligible for CountyCare. Human Resources committee chair Jerry Butler reported that job openings are now posted on local job search websites.

Action Item: New space was approved to be leased to process CountyCare applications.

Cathy Bodnar, Chief Compliance and Privacy Officer, explained the procedure for board members’ filing state of Illinois ethics and CCHHS conflict of interest forms.

Dr. Raju was out of town; his report was delivered by Dr. Jay Shannon.  Dr. Shannon (1) acknowledged CCHHS leadership and staff for their uninterrupted service during the recent flood; (2) affirmed the county’s continued readiness for natural disaster; (3) announced the formation of the new Cook County Health Foundation allowing for philanthropic gifts; and (4) announced Dr. Raju’s new Chief of Staff.  Human Resources Director Gladys Lopez announced 263 new hires this year, ahead of 2012, and said she is working now to fill 30 vacant HR positions.  She acknowledged 3 HR staff members and said 8 new HR hires will begin on Monday, April 29.

The board adjourned to closed session at 9:15.

Submitted by Linda Christianson