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Board hears long‑term care staffing and capacity pressures as patient days rise
Summary
Board members were told long‑term care census is near capacity, staff are hiring additional nurse aides and a physical therapy technician, and the hospital is considering expandable design options for the new facility.
Board members discussed growing long‑term care demand and staffing strain at the May 21 meeting, where long‑term care staff reported a near‑full census, increased need for one‑to‑one staffing, and recent hires to address care needs.
Why it matters: rising long‑term care and swing‑bed days affect staffing needs and may require facility planning changes for the new hospital build.
Long‑term care staff reported 14 residents in long‑term care and said many require frequent one‑to‑one assistance. The LTC presenter said an additional nurse aide has been hired to meet current needs and that a new emergency call system capable of coordinating with local police has been installed. The presenter also said the facility recently filled a physical therapy technician role to support resident mobility.
Trustees asked whether the planned replacement hospital would include room to expand long‑term care capacity. Staff said the campus replacement is currently at about 35% design and that earlier planning included space and land to allow for future expansions. One board member asked whether the new building’s long‑term care bed count should be re‑examined in light of sustained increased demand. Staff said they would look at expansion options while continuing the 35% design process.
Board members also discussed the “swing bed” program and how the hospital coordinates referrals with larger regional centers for procedures, then receives patients back for rehabilitation. Staff said swing‑bed days and an interim ICF day category (patients awaiting a long‑term care bed) are rising and that the board should consider that trend in final facility sizing.
No formal action was taken; staff said they would review capacity planning as part of ongoing 35% design work for the new facility.
