Bradley County Hospital Administrator Rex Jones told the hospital board during their monthly meeting September 25th that he has had discussions with Arkansas State University about the prospect of Bradley County Medical Center utilizing ASU medical students for rotation training once the new school gets up and running. ASU is working to open a medical school by 2016. As reported by salineriverchronicle.com, The Warren Rotary Club was updated on the new school Tuesday September 23rd by Dr. Jason Penry, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement. Mr. Jones believes this a way to secure additional help for the hospital and provide inroads for the recruitment of future physicians for the local community.
In other business, the board heard a presentation by Home Health Director Tammy Hensley on the status of the program. It is doing well and Mr. Jones told the members that Mrs. Hensley is doing a great job. Brandon Gorman gave a detailed financial report. Tiffany Holland, head of nurses, reported on training and activities within the department.
The board approved the 2015 operating budget for the hospital, approved a 3-year capital budget and approved revised medical staff bylaws. Although the capital budget was oked, each new purchase or project must come back to the board for approval. The board also reviewed the 401K audit results, which showed all in order.
Mr. Jones reported on the growing number of hospitals throughout the nation that are going out of business due to financial failure and the need to continue to keep expenses down while maintain quality of care and good services.
On a motion by Dr. Wharton, the board approved the following staff recommendations:
Kenneth Purvis,M.D., ER/Family Medicine
Emmanuel Tee,M.D., ER/Family Medicine
Michael Weiner,M.D.,Pathology
Jarrod Stokes,RN, Wound Care Specialists
The next board meeting is set for October 23rd.