Williamson County Medical Center opens renovated NICU; hospital reports November revenue shortfall, rebound in December

Williamson County Medical Center leaders told commissioners Jan. 13 that the hospital opened a renovated neonatal intensive-care area on Dec. 16 and that the hospital experienced a weak November followed by a strong December.

CEO Phil Mazuca said the NICU renovation expanded capacity and modernized patient bays, moving from an older ward layout to private bays with new equipment. The NICU grew from eight to nine beds, and staff used the additional capacity as respiratory illnesses increased in December.

Chief financial officer Mike Genesee reported operational figures for November, saying adjusted admissions were down 5% from budget and inpatient surgeries were down about 20% from budget. Genesee said November’s operating shortfall was approximately $891,000, driven by lower-than-expected volume and higher fixed staff costs. He noted, however, that December produced the highest admissions in the prior 12 months and that overall cash collections and debt-coverage metrics improved; the hospital’s debt coverage ratio was reported at 1.99.

Mazuca praised staff effort during a recent snow event, noting employees stayed overnight to keep operations running and support EMS service during the weather. Hospital leaders said they plan a phased approach to further renovations and will raise foundation funds to continue capital work when appropriate.

Commissioners thanked hospital staff for their work and noted that while monthly results fluctuate, the hospital met budgetary targets in December after November’s weak results.