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Hospital CEO reports $16.4M from state-directed payments, $502,000 for radiation-equipment replacement and 'baby friendly' designation
Summary
Gila/Hilo Regional Medical Center CEO Robert Whitaker told the commission the hospital has accrued about $16.4 million through the state-directed Medicaid payment program (HDAA), holds roughly 210 days of cash (~$65 million) and received funding to replace a radiation‑oncology machine that reaches end-of-life in 2028.
Robert Whitaker, CEO of the regional medical center, briefed commissioners on operations and finances, reporting increases in admissions and outpatient and cancer‑care visits while ER volumes were slightly lower. "Through that program, we've received or accrued $16,400,000," Whitaker said, referring to the state‑directed payment program (HDAA).
Whitaker described the hospital's liquidity and capital position: operating costs are about $290,000 per day, the hospital had roughly 210 days cash on hand (which he said represents about $65 million), and the facility received approximately $502,000 to replace a major radiation‑oncology device whose manufacturer will not permit clinical use past its end‑of‑life date in May 2028. He said the hospital has two years to complete replacement planning and may use temporary trailer solutions while procurement happens.
Commissioners asked for plain‑language explanations about days‑cash and the relationship between uncompensated‑care accounting and HDAA payments. Whitaker explained days cash equals total cash divided by average daily operating cost and said changes to account classifications affected reported uncompensated‑care amounts. He also confirmed the hospital recently earned a "baby friendly" designation for its labor‑and‑delivery services and noted a forthcoming Joint Commission survey.
Why it matters: The HDAA receipts and capital awards affect the hospital's ability to maintain services locally—particularly cancer care that could otherwise require patients to travel farther. Liquidity and capital planning are also relevant to county oversight of the public hospital.
Next steps: Commissioners and hospital staff will continue coordination on capital‑purchase timing and on communication about service impacts if the radiation unit must be taken out of service before its replacement is installed.
