This is a time of financial challenge and transition for Geary Community Hospital. The Interim CEO Don Smithburg said employees gave input during recent town hall style sessions on how they feel about working at GCH. “We got some really positive input from staff that have a lot of pride, have been at this institution for a long time. And they want to do what they can to keep us going.”

Smith noted that he is concern about workforce morale, given the hospital’s financial situation. A proposal  is being considered to help address that situation. There will also be an internal audit of financial operations and compliance assessment review.

Trustees were given a lengthy briefing on the financial state of the hospital. In September there was a net loss of $162,313 for the month while the year to date loss totaled $2,159,254. That is a slight improvement from September of 2018.

Total net operating revenue on a year to date basis is $1.8% less than the prior year while total operating expenses are 2.5% below the prior year. The lower net revenue is the result of lower volumes, especially in surgeries.

Liquidity remains at a critical level with only single digit days cash on and and accounts payable has been extended to what were termed “unprecedented levels. Cash is being managed carefully daily. The new management team will be executive on Community Hospital Corporation recommendations to improve the liquidity and overall financial performance.

On the cash at hand issue Smithburg called it a real crisis. “A highly functioning hospital is going to have much more cash on hand. So as a result we’re really going to have to hunker down, and that’s what we’re about.”