Menu
Hospital update: Federal stimulus programs help offset losses from elective care services
McCOOK, Neb. -- Community Hospital has been the recipient of funds from several federal stimulus programs designed to assist in the response and mitigation of the pandemic.
“Overall, we have seen revenue drop 40%-45% due to delayed or canceled elective care services,” according to Sean Wolfe, Community Hospital CFO. “Delaying these services was needed to conserve supplies and prepare our facility for a possible patient surge. However, without the federal assistance this would have been very difficult to do financially,” he added.
Included in these programs are the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program loan program which is helping the hospital keep its approximately 315 employees ready to respond should there be an outbreak in the community. The hospital also received healthcare funding from the CARES Act to be used for preparation and response efforts to the crisis. Additionally, the hospital received an advance payment from Medicare.
“While this advance payment will be repaid from future Medicare payments, it does provide Community Hospital with additional liquidity during this challenging time. Currently, the hospital is in a sound financial position as we look forward to continuing to be here for your healthcare needs for years to come,” Wolfe concluded.
NEW: Encouraging Participation in Test Nebraska Program
Community Hospital is encouraging residents of southwest Nebraska to participate in the program Test Nebraska. The program works in three parts: assess, test, and track COVID-19 cases in the state.
-- First, Nebraskans can go to TestNebraska.com to take an initial online assessment – no matter if you are exhibiting symptoms or not. This helps State epidemiologists to gauge the general health of various communities and to decide where to set up testing sites.
-- Second, the State will set up free testing in different locations across the state in the next 2-5 weeks. The testing sites will have multiple kits and multiple test options.The first two testing sites will be in Omaha and Grand Island.
-- Third, there will be 2-3 follow-up questions with everyone who has been assessed, to track their well-being.
One of the program developers said the goal is not merely to determine whether people are infected or not, but to restore confidence so people can get back to work, spend time with family and friends, and resume their usual day-to-day activities.
NEW: Behavioral Health Services
Community Hospital has launched the Generational Guidance program to provide counseling and medication management for people 55 and older. During this stressful time of COVID-19, this new program is especially applicable. Staff include Darian Krysl, provisionally licensed mental health practitioner, who provides individual and group therapy. Pam Awe, nurse practitioner, advises seniors on medication for issues like depression, anxiety and other conditions. Both can assist seniors struggling with the fear and anxiety of COVID-19, as well as any issues associated with life transitions. Call 308-344-8280 for an appointment. Telehealth options are available.
UPDATE: Community Supply Needs
Community Hospital has partnered with McCook Evangelical Free Church to collect and provide medical supplies for healthcare partners in the area. Excess supplies, mainly protective personal equipment such as surgical masks, face shields, safety glasses, and disposable gloves have been gathered from businesses and industries in surrounding communities. Other supplies provided include bleach and hand sanitizer.
Starting next week medical facilities that are facing medical supply shortages such as local physician clinics, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, EMS and public service, and hospitals, will be picking up supplies they can use from those which were donated. The entire service is free. Pick up times are Wednesdays and Fridays (8-11 AM and 3-5 PM CST) at the EFree Church, 602 East 14 Street in McCook. The project included reaching out to more than 300 businesses to request supplies across 11 counties in Nebraska and Kansas.
Non-Medical Reusable Masks
Community Hospital continues to accept donations of homemade cloth masks. Call Tricia Wagner at 308-344-8550 or Candy Crosby at 308-344-8340 for questions. Masks can be dropped off at Community Hospital by simply parking in the front parking lot and calling 308-344-2650. Someone will come out and pick them up.
Cancellations, Postponements
Cancelled: Car Seat Event May 13. The next event is July 8 at the McCook Fire Station.
Postponed: Community Hospital Pro-Am at Heritage Hills, scheduled for June, has been postponed until August 21 - 23.
Incident Command
Community Hospital meets as an incident command planning team twice a week with multiple sub teams also meeting numerous times throughout the week. Selected Community Hospital Incident Command Officers also meet weekly with city and county Incident Officers in a Joint Incident Command (JIC).
Important Public Messages
-- Call before coming to any medical facility to seek treatment if you are exhibiting these symptoms: A fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, shortness of breath, or a cough.
-- Go to the CDC website for accurate information: www.cdc.gov
-- If you are sick – stay home!
-- If you have questions about COVID-19 and your health, call Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department at 308-345-4223, DHHS COVID-19 Information Line 402-552-6645, or go to www.cdc.gov.