Phil Ennen, President and CEO of Community Hospitals & Wellness Centers was guest speaker for the general meeting of the Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary Monday, Oct. 10th in the hospital conference room. The auxiliary began a new year of monthly meetings and programs with new 2016-18 officers Armeda Sawmiller, president; Carol Eriksen, vice president; Connie Dunseth, secretary; and Barb Dietsch, treasurer.
On behalf of the Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary, Treasurer Barb Dietsch presented a check for $1000.00 for the CHWC Share Foundation to Mr. Ennen. Proceeds from the donation come from proceeds from the hospital gift shop, which is staffed by volunteers from the auxiliary with Vivian Brown, manager, and Ruth Cooley, assistant manager.
During his address Phil reported findings and patient feedback collected from surveys on levels of services at both the Bryan and Montpelier facilities. Excellent high ratings of 70-80% were given in most cases for staff courtesy and friendliness, hospital cleanliness, food delivered to patient rooms, and overall quality of care at the birthing center, outpatient surgery, Montpelier inpatient rehabilitation, and Bryan acute-care inpatients. Survey results are being shared with the hospital board of directors and employees. Attention will be given to areas which may need improvement.
Recently the hospital has added the services of cardiologist Dr. Jodi Tinkel and ear/nose/throat specialist Dr. Nosonoff and hypnotherapist Michael Feeman. Searches are ongoing for full-time general surgeons and gastroenterologist.
Mr. Ennen commented that Montpelier Hospital had a stable year but the patient rehab census in winter months is usually affected by those who seasonally relocate in the southern or southwest states. CHWC has recently started a school-based mental health counseling program for students in the Montpelier and Edon school districts and plans include Hilltop-West Unity in the future. Paula Fry supervises this program to help children and youth dealing with issues and stress and this program is coordinated with the Williams County Education Center.
Phil also remarked about various problems ongoing with some insurance companies concerning pre-certification for hospital services and procedures, reduction of payments for billings and re-admission situations. A question and answer period followed his address.
Following the program, President Armeda Sawmiller conducted the general business meeting. Roll call was answered with a favorite Halloween treat to give and receive. Minutes of the previous June luncheon were approved. The treasurer’s report was followed by various committee chairmen reports. The gift shop needs donations of crocheted kitchen towels. Cards were signed for home-bound or shut-in auxiliary members.
President Armeda thanked all the volunteers who helped with the hospital’s Red Cross blood drive Sept. 2nd on registration and canteen, those who assisted with the membership drive at Miller’s New Market Sept. 28th and patient favors at the Montpelier Hospital during the summer—July-Jan Follett, August-Connie Dunseth, September-Marty Brace & Ruth Cooley.
Any members attending Rainbow of Wellness Thursday, Oct. 13th at the Veteran’s Memorial Building, Montpelier, are encouraged to wear their pink smocks. The auxiliary will have a display set up for this with handouts. Volunteers will be needed for the annual Gift Shop Open House Friday, Nov. 4th, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Cookies and punch will be served and some items will be discounted.
Barb Dietsch distributed newsletters to all in attendance. Included were order forms for the annual Lighting the Way to Christmas memorial luminaries and angels, membership applications, listing of upcoming events and a special cheese ball recipe. Dorothy Briner distributed patient favors for October. Connie Dunseth volunteered to take care of November patient favors. Gloria Poorman and Beverly Perkins served as hostesses following adjournment.
The next regular meeting of the Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary is scheduled Monday, Nov. 14th at 1:00 p.m. in the conference room with program on Habitat for Humanity. Members are encouraged to bring guests.
INFORMATION PROVIDED