By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the Dec. 1 meeting of the Guthrie County Hospital Board of Trustees, the trustees voted to appoint Mary Jane Carothers onto the board.
Chief Nursing Officer Mandy Schiefert reported on fire extinguisher training that was recently completed with 62 employees. She also explained the hospital will soon obtain a new ventilator, which she noted will be user-friendly.
“The foundation approved the purchase of a new ventilator,” she said. “That is a huge win, not only for our staff, but there are patients who have the capability of doing a bypass, which is not something that we offer right now.”
Chief Human Resources Officer Mary Anderson reported that open enrollment for employees recently closed, and that it went well. She added that retention is currently at 89.3%, which is an increase from the previous month’s measurement of 85.9%.
Board Chair Mike Underwood asked Anderson about any ongoing staff vacancies that are particularly challenging.
“Dietician,” Anderson said. “It’s really hard to find. We’re looking for a part-time dietician and for them to be in-house.”
CEO Chris Stipe voiced appreciation for the excellent work done at the hospital in all departments.
“It’s kind of flattering to be the CEO of a hospital that’s in the top 10% in the country in every area that we measure,” Stipe said. “I hope that we can continue to be consistent with that.”
The board went into a special closed session to discuss two matters: a matter related to the purchase or sale of real estate, and to evaluate the professional competency of an individual.
Because of the Christmas holiday, the next regular meeting of the trustees is set for Monday, Dec. 29 at 4 p.m. The public is welcome.