Cook County Health and Hospital Services Board Meeting June 27, 2014

After the public speakers, Chairman David Carvalho adjourned to closed session for discussion to secure a vote to approve the appointment of  Dr. Jay Shannon as the new CEO of CCHHS.  The vote was unanimous, with applause from attendees.

Committee Reports: Dr. Munoz, reporting on the Audit and Compliance committee meeting, noted that audit firm McGladrey noted a weakness in the CCHHS audit due to difficulties in financial reporting on CountyCare.  Dr. Munoz said processes are being put in place to correct this problem.   

Director Wayne Lerner asked whether the full board might be able to meet directly with the auditor, and Carvalho agreed to arrange that.  Lerner requested that hard copies of the audit be distributed to the full board, and this request was also approved.  Lerner also asked whether, by approving the minutes of the meeting, the board was also approving the audit itself.  General Counsel Elizabeth Reedy said that according to the bylaws, if you approve the minutes, you're also approving the report.  Munoz said there has been no practice previously of the full board reviewing the audit.  The County board is the entity that actually approves the financial statement. In this situation the CCHHS board approved the minutes of the meeting, but made it clear that they were not, by so doing, approving the audit report.  

Director Lewis Collens reported that in the Quality and Patient Safety Committee meeting, Dr. Das said that the Stroger Hospital ER average wait time dropped from 140 to 82 minutes.  The CORE Center reports HIV suppression at 59% compared with a 25% national average.

Carvalho commended the Commercial Club, where he spoke yesterday, for having adopted the transformation of CCHHS, encouraging more than 70 entities to donate pro bono time.  Vice Chair Jorge Ramirez commended Carvalho for preparing the public for the budget's shrinking in one area, while possibly expanding in another.

Dr. Shannon, commended the second cohort of 11 CCHHS employees' having graduated from the 12-week "Cook County University" training program. With respect to the Cook County budget, FY2015 projects a $168 million shortfall. The 2014 budget shortfall will be $86 million, with $67 million of that related to the health fund. An improvement plan is in place to reduce costs. In June, a 3-year record 113 vacancies were filled, including 26 nurses.  Dr. Shannon recognized Dr. Robert Weinstein, departing head of the Department of Medicine. Finally, Dr. Shannon acknowledged both Dr. Raju and Toni Preckwinkle for their guidance during his period as interim CEO.

Carvalho noted that new committee appointments are made in July; board members should communicate their preferences.

The board adjourned to closed session at 9:35.

submitted by Linda Christianson