Salem Township Hospital President Kendra Taylor says operations of the hospital are returning more to normal with a big drop in COVID-19 testing and those seeking treatment.
She told the hospital board Monday afternoon one of the positive results are patients returning for elective services.
“We are excited to have our new Orthopedist position and our new Spine and Pain Management, Dr. Koth and Dr. Bhandarkar. We’ve seen a lot of interest in Dr. Koth’s clinic that has been with the hospital a little over a month now and I feel like people are starting to get comfortable again with having those elective procedures in the hospital.”
Dr. Kevin Koth told the board things are off to a good start and several surgeries have already been scheduled. He’s hoping to expand the types of surgeries available at Salem Township Hospital as he moves forward.
Dr. Amit Bhandarkar is starting a pain management clinic this week that will replace a physician who earlier retired.
Taylor also announced the hospital has received three grants through the Illinois Critical Access Network totaling $18,500.
“One of them is with financial and revenue cycle and we are going to be working towards coding audits. The other one is operational and they will be working on some of our I.T. infrastructure and cybersecurity. And the last grant is with outpatient services and we are going to be doing a wellness initiative.”
Registered Dietician Derek Utley will provide the wellness initiative with information on food nutrition.
The board was told the hospital had a good month financially, finishing $180,000 over budget. Taylor reported both inpatient and swing bed operations were able to return to being above budget. The hospital so far has provided 1,500 COVID-19 immunizations.
Taylor reported the hospital’s likely to recommend rating is now at 84.5 percent for the fiscal year that ends March 31st. She’s hopeful they will reach their 85-percent goal with surveys completed in March.
