Hospital board approves architectural fees

by Eric Mullens
WALSENBURG —  The Huerfano County Hospital District Board of Directors last week unanimously approved a $17,500 expenditure for a set of architectural drawings concerning the conversion of Acute beds to LTC (long term care) beds at Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center.
This has been a long-term plan of administration and once the plans have been completed they may be sent to contractors and material suppliers for estimated bids.
In other business, SPRHC CEO Todd Oberheu reported with Dr. David Neece taking an extended leave, SPRHC will be providing medical services via a nurse practitioner at the county jail.
In the area of MSO (the Management Service Organization), Oberheu said La Junta does plan to pursue membership, which will bring them into the proposed group that includes Walsenburg, Trinidad, Lamar and Parkview.  The board members have been invited to attend a work session concerning the Southern Colorado MSO at Parkview earlier this week.  This will be a follow up meeting regarding the MSO development.
The Spanish Peaks HealthCare Foundation’s annual golf tournament is set for October 3 at Hollydot Golf Course in Colorado City.  The annual health fair has been scheduled for October 24th and will be held at the Huerfano County Community Center in Walsenburg.
Oberheu reported the Outreach Clinic has received a $1,000 donation and has gotten interest from others due to national and local news coverage of their Family Planning programs.
Leonard Bellah gave a short presentation regarding the hospital pharmacy during the monthly department manager’s report.
SPCVLC
SPCVLC Director Marty Schlink reported progress continues on development of CNA (Certified Nursing Assistants) classes being taught on-site at the nursing home.  “A location is still being sought for the classes to be held in and when that is accomplished, public health will make an in-person visit with the purpose of approving our site and program,” she said.  She said this will enable us to hold our own classes, enabling strong staff to be trained within our community as our employees.  
She reported the Music and Memories Program now has 11 iPods for use by residents.  The program began in ernest last week.
Resident Sarah Ringo was the nursing home’s Silver Queen who will represent the home at the Colorado State Fair today, September 3, 2015.  Schlink also said private landline telephones have been installed in each resident rooms and the children volunteer program is also going very well.
It is expected the annual visit by General Mike Edwards to the facility will happen October 16.
This past Saturday, the Rolling for Freedom motorcycle rally and poker run was held and Schlink said in her report to the board two days before the event, “Very good participation of our community, both as volunteers and financially, have us well prepared for a successful day.”