For the third month in a row Memorial Hospital and Manor presented a positive financial statement to the Board.

Key indicators for January reflected a net income of $364,627, compared to a loss of $223,413 last January (2018). “We are making progress,” said CEO Jim Lambert.

At that point chairperson Glennie Bench commented, “We only have two more months in this fiscal year,” exclaiming it would be great to finish it out with two more positive months.

The hospital is making preparations to offer a medical detox program at the hospital. Target date for opening the program is April 2, after nursing staff and others interacting with patients receive training from the New Vision Medical Detox program. Chief Nursing administrator Lori Eubanks announced the hospital will have a booth at Rivertown Days to promote this voluntary program.

On a similar, yet different note, the hospital is finalizing the implementation of the mandated Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances, as part of the Georgia’s state prescription drug monitoring program. This new program makes it necessary for providers to order controlled substances directly in Meditech and complete the required review of the state’s prescription drug monitoring program. By logging in the prescription it can be monitored and reviewed.

By comparing it to other prescriptions it should hopefully reduce the abuse of these medications.

The board approved purchase of $8,169.51, for a new surgical irrigation suction pump to replace one that was purchased in 1996. It was sent for repair in November 2018, and advised the item was obsolete and unable to be repaired.

Also approved was purchase of a new conveyor dishwasher to replace the current dishwasher that is 25 years old. It is currently non-operational and cannot be repaired. The purchase is for $14,996 for the new machine.

Bond proceeds are earmarked for both of the above purchases.

The replacement of an Ultrasound for the Radiology Department has been ordered and expected to arrive in a week or so. Lambert expressed thanks to the Hospital Foundation for their donation of $95,000 for purchase of this machine. He expects

It will enhance the radiology services offered to patients, and help keep our patients here in the community.