SHS systems reports stronger staffing, stable cash position and rural policy push at county workshop

Joe Thine, a representative of SHS systems, told the Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners at a workshop update that the hospital has made substantial progress on physician recruiting and employee retention while maintaining a cash position sufficient to meet bond‑holder covenants.

Thine said the recruiting effort yielded six candidates who expressed interest, with five active prospects, 29 interviews scheduled, 28 completed, 18 offers made and 17 accepted. “Weve been really busy on the physician provider recruiting front,” Thine told the board. He said most specialties the hospital targeted are now under contract and that "all but 1 of the physicians has already started their practice." He previewed welcoming Dr. Brunaud as a third general surgeon in early 2025 and named recent hires including Jocelyn Hirschman, Dr. Bernard, Dr. Vikas, Jamieson Laubbs and podiatrist Dr. Jeter.

Thine said nurse retention has improved: the hospital at one point had about 25 nurse vacancies and, as of the November report he cited, had about four vacancies…