An area of discussion at the May and June meetings was decided on. Bids on a new Cat Scan machine were taken last Wednesday afternoon. The current scanner, which has fulfilled its life expectancy, does everything it was originally built to do, but is behind technologically.
The new scanner, which will replace the old technology, will increase the quality and efficiency of patient care, and among other things, will take thinner slices and cut the exam time drastically. For instance, on a head examination, what took 20 minutes on the current equipment will only take six minutes on the new.
The new equipment will be purchased on a trade in of the current equipment, and will be expensed out in the budget over five years. The current scanner will possibly be sent overseas.
In other business. .
An inspector came from the EMS Regulatory Board to inspect the PAHCS ambulances. No deficiencies were found.
On the issue of the proposed PAHCS satellite clinic in Richmond, Willie LaCroix, hospital administrator, will meet again with the Richmond City Council to establish priorities and develop recommendations.
To ensure the continuing quality of service, the board discussed the status and needs of PAHCS' computer system, and the possibility of updating it. The computers, which do everything from storing medical records to billing, are not merged together between the Paynesville hospital and clinic so, for example, an address change recorded in the hospital computer system might not be recorded in the clinics.
Board members have been looking over updated computer equipment and programs, and have found the progress in technology overwhelming. Much of the current paper use, such as prescriptions, would be eliminated, because with the updated systems, prescriptions could be sent directly to the patient's pharmacy through e-mail or fax.
The board will discuss bids for the updated computer systems by August 15.
In the area of PAHCS medical staff, Lawrence Jedlicka, M.D. was approved by the board for a change of status from consulting staff to active, and Michael Thyen, CRNA was appointed to the ancillary staff.