Shanidy Shook

The regular monthly meeting agenda included several key items for consideration and action. Discussion topics included the election of officers due to a resignation, reports from board committee liaisons, and a review of the April 2020 Financial Statements by the Finance Committee. The Consent Agenda covered the approval of the April 30, 2020 Minutes, 9th Floor Furniture, and a Ventilator Purchase. Furthermore, the Board planned to address the 2020 Sales and Use Tax Election, which involved approving election services contracts with Midland County, adopting the Order Calling the Election, authorizing the Notice of Election, and authorizing the posting of the early voting roster. Updates were also scheduled regarding Public Relations and Marketing, the COVID-19 situation, and Open Meetings procedures. The meeting also included a review of the Tax Office Report on Tax Collections.

The press conference provided an update on the COVID-19 situation, detailing confirmed cases and hospital statistics, including current ICU census and patients on ventilators. Key discussions involved the receipt of an advance payment from the Medicare program to assist with cash flow challenges due to decreased revenues and ongoing operational costs. The team is actively planning for the potential lifting of the moratorium on elective procedures, emphasizing a cautious approach contingent on PPE availability and bed capacity. There was also a strong reminder for the public regarding the importance of seeking immediate care for non-COVID emergencies like chest pain or stroke symptoms, and utilizing the dedicated nurse hotline for respiratory concerns. Updates were given on plasma donation efforts for recovered patients, noting the limited current supply but high potential benefit, and concerns regarding COVID-19 spread in long-term care facilities were addressed. Finally, speakers discussed the challenges of supply chain constraints impacting testing availability and emphasized continued safety protocols like social distancing.

The unified command team provided an update on the COVID-19 situation. Key discussions included Midland Health statistics such as confirmed cases, deaths, and testing results, noting fewer than five percent positivity. Hospital census remained below capacity, with 17 critical care patients, three of whom were confirmed positive. A significant operational update involved the initiation of N95 mask decontamination using UV GI technology, expected to extend mask life from four shifts to sixteen shifts. Financially, the organization faces challenges due to costs associated with COVID-19 care and declines in revenue from elective procedures, but anticipates relief from Medicare advance payments and Care Act funds. Furthermore, the addition of a second infectious disease physician to the Texas Tech faculty was announced. Demographic data for Midland County cases (30 confirmed) was provided, detailing source exposures, gender, age groups, and isolation statuses. The process for determining recovered status, which is distinct from being complete with isolation, was clarified.

This document presents the proposed Fiscal Year 2019 Operating and Capital Budget for Midland County Hospital District. It outlines detailed financial projections, including estimated patient volumes and income statements, supported by various operational initiatives. Key initiatives include planned activity growth, a 5% rate adjustment, increased Medicare reimbursement, adjustments to DSH and 1115 Waiver funding, and a 3.5% increase for staff compensation with housing stipends. The budget also addresses maintenance and operations tax rate adjustments and allocates significant capital expenditures for surgical video upgrades and facility improvements.

The update provided statistics regarding COVID-19 cases in Texas and Midland County, noting the number of tests administered and results pending. Key discussions focused on the hospital census, including patients in the CCU and those on ventilators. A significant topic involved multiple positive COVID-19 tests among employees and residents at the Midland Medical Lodge, requiring ongoing monitoring and preparedness for potential hospitalizations from that facility. Recognition was given to the Emergency Department team for their frontline work managing new procedures, masking, and visitor limitations while continuing to treat all types of emergencies. Regarding personnel, Midland Health confirmed they have not furloughed any employees, despite facing serious financial concerns due to the cessation of elective procedures, and are actively repurposing staff to other necessary roles. Clinical updates included the utilization of the hydroxychloroquine drug regimen for confirmed and high-risk patients, noting mixed but generally positive observational outcomes. Finally, the use of convalescent plasma therapy was mentioned, noting it has been used once and remains investigational due to limited availability of recovered plasma donors.