Olney Hamilton Hospital Board meeting Jan. 29

The Olney Hamilton Hospital Board met for their first monthly meeting of the year Friday, Jan. 29.

The meeting began with the approval of the Dec. 4 meeting minutes, as well as the approval of the Dec. 26 special called meeting.

First on the agenda was the administrator’s report, followed by a medical staff report, which included the regular monthly business, approving the credential list, and discussing the CNO and quality assurance reports. In addition, the board discussed the finance and budget committee report, and they approved the financial statements and the writeoff of bad debts.

The board discussed the hospital board election that will be held May 1. Four members are up for re-election. The election will be on May 1.

After reviewing the hospital board’s bylaws, the meeting continued with the discussion of retention bonuses. Anita Beunger made the motion for approval with the second from Rita Choat. Dr. Jeremy Johnson opposed the motion stating that the frontline workers should be the recipients of bonus pay. When Dr. Johnson asked about compensating the frontline workers, OHH CEO Mike Huff responded by stating that the frontline workers had received a hazard bonus. Dr. Johnson inquired about the amount and Huff responded that it was a $200 bonus.

Alleged lawsuit(s) rumors continue to be a public concern. Olney Enterprise reached out regarding the rumors a few weeks ago, but the lawsuit information was not included on the Jan. 29 agenda. However, I discussed the matter with Mike Huff and OHH Board President Dale Lovett after the meeting was adjourned. I will schedule a follow-up meeting to obtain additional information about the alleged lawsuit(s) as well as the retention bonuses.

The next Olney Hamilton Hospital Board meeting will take place Fri. Feb. 26, at the Hamilton Hospital Education Building.