Prompted by declining patient encounters and the daunting financial challenges expected from the State’s budget cuts, Redwoods Rural and the Healthcare District’s administrators and board members met on June 2, to strategize on how the two organizations can work together.
RRHC Executive Director Eric Fimbres opened the meeting with a summary review of both healthcare providers’ declining patient census. Since 2001, both RRHC and the Healthcare District experienced a combined loss of 4,000 patients. The full analysis was presented to both boards in December 2007 and January 2008.
”While not the only reason, many Southern Humboldt residents are seeking their healthcare in Fortuna and Eureka because they are not happy with the quality of care and the lack of specialty care,” Fimbres said. “With the threat of the state’s budget cuts, we need to collectively address how we will respond to our community’s healthcare needs, bring our patients back, minimize our losses and optimize our resources.”
Steve Bowen, SHCHD Board Chair, congratulated the group for their participation and dedication and expressed his excitement with the group’s vision.
The collaboration is framed by four strategic initiatives: Expanded Funding Opportunities, Quarterly Meetings to Enhance Board/Provider Collaboration, Potential for Shared Technologies, and Proactively Address the Patient Exodus.
The group also discussed the structure of the committee. It was decided that at this point, the committee will be comprised of the two facilities’ board executive committee members, administrators, and District administrative assistant, giving latitude for expanded participation by other board members.
Nancy Wilson, SHCHD board member pointed out the need to set up the correct contacts/systems between the two facilities and RRHC board member Kathy Epling suggested each facility provide the other with their organization/flow charts for this purpose. RRHC board member Shelby stated the need to identify how the facilities are going to collaborate and that would determine the point people.
Information from the committee meetings will be communicated from the executive committees to their respective boards, staff, community, and the press. The committee will determine future meeting dates as they progress and the meeting locations will alternate between RRHC and the Healthcare District.
For more information, please call Eric Fimbres at Redwoods Rural Health Center at 923-2783 or Debbie Scaife at the Southern Humboldt Community Healthcare District at 923-3921.
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