Phil Ennen, President and CEO of Community Hospitals & Wellness Centers, addressed members of the Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary at their first meeting of the new 2013-14 year on Monday, Oct. 14th in the conference room at the local hospital. He was introduced by Auxiliary President Deanna Gipe.
Mr. Ennen spoke about the economics of health care changing dramatically this year and several factors have impacted the number of patients at both facilities at Bryan and Montpelier. Among the reasons for reduced rehabilitation patients are the overall economy, some patients not requiring these services as often, more competition in other facilities offering rehab care, certain insurance companies not willing to negotiate acceptable rates covering hospital costs for these services, and an overall reduction in the number of patients using rehab services all over northwest Ohio. Implementation of the Health Care Reform includes dealing with changes and updates with information forthcoming.
He also indicated that recruiting efforts are ongoing for additional staff physicians and surgeons. Positive effects are being seen with the recent opening of the Pain Management services. Mr. Ennen also remarked about ongoing building improvements at Montpelier with additional artwork, and excellent ratings for the hospital cafeteria food service. Replacement of carpeting is scheduled for this coming February. Both Montpelier and Bryan facilities have excelled in providing a comfortable atmosphere for patients and staff.
Regarding the auxiliary, Mr. Ennen commended the members for their volunteer work and all assistance is appreciated, especially creating a positive attitude. The auxiliary’s hospital gift shop at Montpelier, which is open to the public, was discussed. He also clarified that while the Bryan, Montpelier and Archbold physicians’ group is operated by Parkview-Ft. Wayne, Ind., both CHWC Bryan and Montpelier hospitals are still an independent corporation.
Following his talk, Mr. Ennen was presented with a $1000 donation from the auxiliary by Treasurer Barb Dietsch for the CHWC Share Foundation, a separate charity to assist patients requesting financial help upon approved individual application. Proceeds for the donation were allocated from the hospital gift shop. Additional artwork by local artists purchased by the auxiliary was displayed at the meeting and is being donated to the Montpelier hospital. Mr. Ennen again expressed his thanks to the auxiliary for the monetary donation and artwork by Bobbie Schlosser and Deb Clum.
After the program, President Deanna conducted the regular business meeting. Roll call was answered by “What was something special you did during the summer?”. Reports were given by Secretary Jean Young, Treasurer Barb Dietsch, Hospital Gift Shop Manager Vivian Brown and various committee chairmen. Vivian announced the annual Gift Shop Christmas Open House is planned Friday, Nov. 8th from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and volunteers are needed to sign up for work shifts.
Rainbow Wellness was held Thursday, Oct. 17th at the Veterans Memorial Building in Montpelier and the auxiliary donated a basket filled with kitchen items from the gift shop for this project.
Sunday, Dec. 1st the auxiliary will sponsor the annual Memorial Luminary program entitled “Lighting the Way to Christmas” to be held at First Presbyterian Church, Montpelier, beginning at 3 p.m. Barb Dietsch is compiling the list of names of those who have passed away this year and will be included in the program. Anyone wishing to have a deceased loved one included in the program should contact Barb at 419-485-3229.
The next regular meeting will be held in the hospital conference room Monday, Nov. 11th (Veterans Day) at 1 p.m. with guest speaker Holly Rupp of Bryan Therapeutic Massage. Roll call will be “Where were you when you heard that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated 50 years ago?”. Auxiliary memberships are still available and members are encouraged to bring guests.
INFORMATION PROVIDED