Quality committee flags rise in staff injuries; facility census, credentialing and clinic updates reported

Polly, the hospital infection-control and employee-health nurse who also presented quality committee notes, reported an increase in employee injury reports so far this year and described steps to reduce repeat incidents.

"We have a total year to date of 11 injuries for this year 2025 compared to 8 for the whole year last year," Polly said, adding she provides incident-specific education and is conducting chart audits to improve compliance with discharge vitals and oxygen-saturation documentation.

Quality reports also covered credentialing: the board was told reappointments were recommended for Dr. Danish (Blue Sky Neurology), Dr. Kinsman, Dr. Plunkett and Dr. Brinkall (Dakota Radiology), and Dr. Durso (cardiology); an initial appointment for Dr. Trotter was also noted. Polly said radiology had no concerns reported by medical staff.

The manor (long-term care) census stood at 52 residents, which the presenter said equated to about 90% occupancy; payer mix reported included 19 private-pay residents, 31 Medicaid and four pending referrals. Staff and recruitment updates included use of contract CNAs (travelers) and three applicants for an open unit-scheduling position.

Clinic updates presented by Trisha and others described patient-volume growth year-to-date (January–September) of 2,825 patients compared with the prior year, a busy week with 168 visits, the addition of a new family nurse practitioner (Charlie Randerman), a first patient transfer of care from a local competitor, and a change in checkout desk location to better capture follow-up scheduling.

Other operational items noted by staff included anticipated state survey delays due to a government shutdown (federal tags on hold) and a bid for removal of dead trees on hospital grounds; tree-removal work was described as locally contracted with donated rock for landscaping.