Rockingham County’s long‑term care leadership told commissioners April 3 that the county had significantly reduced reliance on agency nursing contracts over the past six months and replaced many temporary contracts with county hires, improving staffing stability and easing agency costs.

Staffing update: The long‑term care director said the county reduced about 20 agency contracts from a prior high in the 70s down to roughly the low 50s and had converted several per‑diem LPN/LNA positions to full‑time county employees, with more conversions planned. Staff credited an expedited recruitment workflow ("ND Quick Apply" referenced in the meeting) and weekly labor management meetings for faster onboarding and fewer overtime hours.

Purchases and contracts approved: Commissioners approved several procurement items for long‑term care departments during the consent and business agenda:
- A bid waiver and purchase with Yankee Equipment for a new commercial laundry washer (model and capacity noted by staff) in the amount of $22,869.02, recommended by the senior director of long‑term care services. Staff said an RFP produced no responses and the vendor is the only local source for the brand already in use.
- A contract for on‑site primary care services with Vantage Healthcare LLC for periodic on‑site provider visits (scheduled to begin 05/05/2025); staff said the company will bill residents’ insurance and there is no direct county cost for the service. Commissioners approved the engagement to improve access and reduce transports and hospitalizations.
- An adult medical day care request for a resident (dated 03/24/2025) for a two‑day‑per‑week placement billed at $80 per day was approved; staff said existing long‑term care budget lines can support the placement.

Other operational items: Staff reported ongoing work on med‑B audits and a recent mock survey, and that Sodexo (food service) had forwarded a contract for review. Nursing home census and infection surveillance were given: a nursing‑home census of 46 and an assisted‑living census with two staff COVID cases and one resident case at the time of the meeting; staff said infection control and surveys are active priorities.

Why it matters: The shift from agency to county staff reduces an expensive budget line item and strengthens workforce continuity for resident care. The Vantage Healthcare pilot aims to improve access to primary care for residents without adding county operating cost, according to staff.

Ending: Commissioners asked to be kept informed of the Vantage pilot’s results and of any further equipment needs; staff will return with any contract documents and budget adjustments as needed.