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Gila Regional Medical Center reports higher ER use, financial surplus and capital projects amid staffing hires
Summary
Gila Regional Medical Center told Grant County commissioners it saw higher ER visits and admissions year-to-date, reported a surplus for March and year-to-date, and outlined capital projects and a new advisory services contract starting June 1.
Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC) representatives briefed the Grant County Board of County Commissioners on hospital operations, financial performance and capital projects at the May meeting.
GRMC CEO Mister Whitaker reported increased use of the emergency department and higher admissions in March compared with the previous year. He said ER visits were about 80 higher in March and roughly 500 higher year to date; admissions were about 15 higher for the month and 30 higher year to date. Surgeries were down about 10 for the month and 90 year to date.
The hospital reported operating revenue growth: about $900,000 more operating revenue in March and approximately $6.6 million higher year to date. GRMC reported a $550,000 operating surplus for March and roughly $3.2 million year to date, figures Whitaker said exclude one-time or special payments such as Medicaid-related provider assessment funds (HDAA) and a bridge payment from SB 161, which Whitaker said had been about $5.7 million.
Whitaker outlined staffing and service additions that contributed to higher revenue, including recent hires: a general surgeon, family medicine physicians, an interventional radiologist and an oncologist. He also described capital work in progress: an MRI project with construction and shielding bids higher than anticipated (one bid reached about $700,000), OR HVAC work underway, a planned redesign of the outpatient registration area, and replacement of the nurse-call system.
GRMC reported year-to-date capital spending of roughly $3.2 million and estimated total capital spending by fiscal-year end in the neighborhood of $4 million. Whitaker said the hospital is bringing on Ovation Healthcare as an advisory services partner beginning June 1, and that GRMC has held board training with the firm on fiduciary duties and oversight responsibilities.
Whitaker also invited commissioners to a UNM site visit and a hospital employee picnic on July 12, and noted the hospital’s community giving program that shares a portion of cafeteria sales with local nonprofits; GRMC planned to present a $2,500 check for the first quarter recipient.
Commissioners asked about cash balances and exclusions for longer-term investments; Whitaker replied that operating cash hovered near $1.25 million to $1.30 million when excluding CDs and investment-pool balances, and that total set-asides approached $12 million when those longer-term holdings are included.
No formal board action was taken on the hospital report; GRMC’s presentation was received for the record and commissioners thanked hospital leaders for the update.
