Patient Transfers remains a problem for hospital

RITZVILLE – While COVID-19 cases have declined in recent weeks, East Adams Rural Hospital continues to face challenges transferring critically ill and trauma patients to larger hospitals in the region.

The problem is more of a staff issue rather than available beds, Chief of Staff Dr. Charles M. Sackmann said last week during a hospital board meeting with a light agenda and three of five board members present..

If patients cannot be transferred to a hospital in Spokane, options farther way have to be taken, including the Puget Sound region and Idaho, he said.

In other East Adams Rural Hospital business:

• Hospital CEO Corey Fedie, submitted his monthly report, saying, “We need to grow clinical services to build on our success.” Fedie added “everyone in this community has the opportunity to get care with services we provide at EARH. Regardless of your provider and their preference, a patient can choose to stay in our community and get excellent care and testing. It’s always patient choice.”

• Chief Financial Officer Kim Polanco reported expenses are running around 8% below budget for the year and the district has 222 days of cash on hand.

• The board passed annual approval of the code of conduct policy.