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Polk County hospital reports December losses, seeks equipment and building fixes
Summary
Board heard that the county hospital posted operating and overall losses for December; the hospital foundation raised funds to buy a new ultrasound machine, ambulance transfers total 39, and the operating room floor is estimated at $56,000 to replace.
Chairman Jerry Westring and the Polk County Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 27 received an operations update from Marcus Augustin and Nataly Sanley on the county hospital's recent finances and service changes.
Marcus Augustin and Nataly Sanley reported the hospital posted both an operating loss and an overall loss for December. Board members were told the hospital Foundation has raised sufficient funds to purchase a new ultrasound machine. The county-owned ambulance, which the hospital uses for patient transfers, has been used for 39 transfers since it went into service, the update said. An estimate has been received to insulate the county-owned building across the street where the ambulance is stored; the hospital plans to seek a second estimate before proceeding.
The hospital also reported a need to replace flooring in the operating room, with a replacement estimated at $56,000. Staff advised that because in-house sleep studies have declined and licensing costs now exceed revenue from those studies, the hospital will likely allow the current sleep-study licensing to lapse. Board members were informed there will not be an orthopedic clinic this month while the provider completes required paperwork.
Board members were told of two upcoming community health events: a Wine and Beer Fest scheduled for Feb. 8 and a Spring Health Fair scheduled for March 3.
The discussion was informational; no board action was taken on hospital finances or capital items at the Jan. 27 meeting. The next regular meetings are Feb. 3 and Feb. 17, 2026.
