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Hospital board recommends Fort Drum MEDAC commander as ex officio advisor after MEDAC visit; hospital reports monthly operating loss
Summary
Lewis County General Hospital's board voted unanimously to recommend appointment of a Fort Drum MEDAC commander as an ex officio, nonvoting advisory member. Hospital leadership reported a $290,000 operating loss for the month and said the MEDAC visit has increased referrals to women's health services.
The Lewis County General Hospital board of managers has approved a recommendation to the Lewis County Board of Legislators to appoint Colonel Christina Buckner, commander of the U.S. Army Medical Department Activity (MEDAC) at Fort Drum, as an ex officio, nonvoting advisory member to the hospital board.
Hospital CEO "Mr. Kayer" reported the recommendation at the county board meeting on June 3, saying the board passed the motion unanimously after a visit by MEDAC leadership. Kayer said the visit — which included Colonel Christina Buckner and several other MEDAC officers — was productive and resulted in a commitment to include Lewis County General as an option for soldiers and dependents needing care. He said the hospital has already seen an increase in activity at the women's health clinic and additional deliveries following the visit.
Kayer reported a monthly operating loss of $290,000. He attributed the loss to declines in inpatient skilled nursing facility and physician office revenue; expenses, he said, were below budget by approximately $200,000 for the month. Kayer and board leaders cited other recent developments, including expanded surgical service days by a visiting surgeon and interest from MEDAC in hospital operating rooms and potential orthopedics referrals.
Why it matters: The hospital board's recommendation, if accepted by the county Board of Legislators in a future meeting, would formalize a nonvoting advisory relationship with Fort Drum's MEDAC leadership. That relationship could affect referral patterns and the hospital's role as a local provider for military families. The reported operating loss is a financial metric the county will monitor as it enters budget season.
Details and next steps: The hospital board's recommendation must go through the county committee process and then to the full Board of Legislators; the CEO said staff will work with county officials to place the appointment on a future agenda. The transcript does not specify a target date for the county vote or any formal changes to hospital governance beyond the advisory appointment recommendation.
