CEO/CFO Gary Bostrom: EARH begins plans for repairs, upgrades

East Adams Rural Hospital (EARH) received the Top Performer Safety Award at the Washington State Hospital Association annual meeting.

In addition to recognition for safety, our hospital received a check for $5,000. A big thank you to the EARH staff for a job well done!

Recently, we have purchased and are starting the implementation process for electrical medical records. Once online, patients will be able to access personal medical information including current prescriptions.

In October, EARH received two federal citations in regards to electrical and sprinkler deficiencies. Our facility was built in the 1950s when there were different safety requirements than there are today. We will fix all the issues that were cited by the state as well as other repairs that are necessary.

The Commissioners have committed $1.5 million of the facilities reserves for these issues and are applying for a $500,000 grant from the state for energy related improvements.

We have signed an interagency agreement with the Department of Enterprise Services to oversee the repairs as well as possibly obtaining the grant monies. Unfortunately this $2 million worth of repairs will not address all the major items that need fixing in the facility.

We have chosen Apollo Solutions Group to work with us and the Department of Enterprise Services to obtain a very clear picture of our needs.

As you know, we asked the taxpayers of East Adams County to support a bond issue for $10 million, and when that failed, both the state and federal overseers could no longer turn a blind eye to the known deficiencies of the facility.

We are now mandated to complete the required repairs. In the meantime, to ensure the safety of our patients and staff, we are installing back-up emergency lighting for added security during power outages and increasing our fire safety awareness.

In addition to updating the electrical service and installing a new sprinkler system, monies will also provide for a second boiler as ours no longer passes inspection. We will remain diligent in our efforts to create and maintain a safe environment at East Adams Rural Hospital.