The Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) workshop held on September 29, 2025, focused on the operational status and future planning of local healthcare services, particularly in relation to the county hospital. Key discussions highlighted the hospital's performance, employee retention rates, and the importance of local healthcare access.

During the meeting, hospital representatives reported a slower summer in inpatient admissions, although certain areas, such as diagnostic imaging, showed growth in patient volume. The hospital's observation status, where patients receive care without being formally admitted, was noted as a significant factor in maintaining service levels despite lower inpatient numbers.

Employee retention was another focal point, with current nursing retention rates exceeding 80%, which is above the national average. This stability is attributed to ongoing efforts to attract and retain qualified staff, which is crucial for maintaining high-quality patient care.

Financial discussions revealed that the hospital relies heavily on Medicaid funding, which constitutes 17% of its revenue, potentially increasing to 25% when considering federal matching funds. The hospital's leadership emphasized the need for careful financial planning as future funding sources may decline, particularly with anticipated changes to federal and state healthcare programs.

The meeting also addressed the hospital's commitment to improving community health through enhanced access to primary care. New primary care physicians have joined the staff, and efforts to expand services in Mancos have resulted in increased patient visits. Additionally, a new program allows Medicare patients to access nursing support between doctor visits, aiming to improve chronic condition management.

On the emergency care front, the hospital is monitoring patient treatment times and admission rates to ensure that local residents receive timely care. Plans for future enhancements include upgrading diagnostic imaging equipment, which will allow for more advanced cardiac imaging services.

Overall, the workshop underscored the hospital's proactive approach to addressing community health needs while navigating financial challenges and workforce stability. The discussions set the stage for ongoing improvements in healthcare delivery within Montezuma County.