Board of Health Minutes

Judy Hoelscher stated that she does not think that she should be the person in charge. She also brought to the attention of the Board that the Federal Government has made the point that there is no continuity of care for the patients. They want to see continuity, prevention, outcomes measured, and systems in place that can support an efficient operation. What is important is to do the best thing for the community.

She stated that Rev. Johnson and Dr. Ptacin and Dr. Collins have been taking a lead in this matter at this time.

Greg Purcell pointed out not only the complexity of the issues but the fact that there are five different groups involved in the decision making process - the BOH, the volunteer doctors, the foundations, the Federal Government, and the Family Health Center.

L.J. McKeown expressed his feeling also that all options need to be investigated.

Heidi Oberlin proposed presenting a written process to the BOH next month.

Both Heidi and L.J. agreed that there is a need for more structure in the process of deciding the future of the BCNC.

Charles Seifert indicated that there is a A sub-group of physicians who have agreed to accept referrals from the volunteer physicians. Additionally, there is a lot of history and tension between the physicians and those at the Family Health Center (the organization itself). He expressed his hope that bringing the hospital in as a co-partner could be beneficial. If Pat Garret is to be involved, it should be noted that he is on the Board of the Family Health Center.

Byron McDonald would like clarification as to how much is charged to the Clinic for Judy' s work. Also he was interested in what the situation is on the $66,000 grant to the Clinic. It was explained that this money is the expansion money and cannot be used until the Clinic is in full compliance.

Greg Purcell suggested that negotiation positions need to be set by the BOH to give direction to those who will be doing the negotiating. The importance of continuing service at the present location; staffing and continuity of staff positions; insuring that the volunteer doctors continue in the same way; these may all be issues that the BOH wishes to address in these negotiations.

L.J. McKeown raised the question that if the BCNC did form some type of partnership with the Family Center, would it be necessary for the Family Health Center to take actual control of the BCNC or could it be that the Family Health Center could just provide some assistance in terms of the billing process, etc. so the two agencies are both benefitting without major change to what they are already are?

Judy Hoelscher suggested that the BOH not lose sight of the question as to what is public health going to be offering in this county? BCNC is not the only consideration. Are we able to meet the all of the goals of the mandated services in the county?

L.J. McKeown suggested the need for the Board to have a retreat where time can be given to strategic planning regarding the budget for the entire Health Dept. as well as the future of all of the programs at the Health Dept. He feels that a facilitator should be made available to help with the process so that real understanding and progress can be made.

A. L.J. McKeown stated that it looks very good to move ahead with the collaboration with the County in the Albion medical care facility.

A. It was also noted that the Minority Health Partnership is having a cultural competency training coming to Wilson through funding from the Kellogg Foundation.

A. Byron McDonald expressed interest in a report on Gentiva; Judy furnished him with a report on Gentiva' s referral numbers. He also requested an updated list of the Health Department' s outside contracts.

A. There was also some discussion as to the need for Spanish speaking information on the Health Dept. to be made available in one of the local papers.