Alva Review-Courier -

When Alva Hospital Authority (AHA) trustees arrived for the Jan. 31 meeting, there were hospital beds in the hallway outside the meeting room. These were some of the old beds displaced by new modern ones. They’re in storage while the hospital looks for buyers.

Late last year the Share Medical Center Foundation sent out letters about the need for new beds, and generous donors responded. Kelly Parker reported the foundation was able to give the hospital $109,000 specific to the beds and some more in funds already collected that were specified to be for hospital needs.

Another $35,000 in bed donations was pledged but had not been received yet. In all, the foundation was able to put just under $184,000 toward the bed project. Parker said that was a lot more than they anticipated. The total cost of the beds was $201,000.

The foundation board had two vacancies. William (Bill) Buckles was appointed to fill one. The other was to be appointed by the AHA. Parker submitted David Manning to fill the vacancy, and he was appointed by unanimous vote.

Share Convalescent Home

Parker, who is the administrator for Share Convalescent Home, reported that a rate increase went into effect on Jan. 1. He said revenue has been a problem at the nursing home, explaining a net loss for December of $37,841. Expenses have not been significantly different from last year, but revenue has declined. It’s hoped the rate increase will help, but the nursing home would also like to fill openings with more residents.

The nursing home has had “some really good outcomes lately,” said Parker. Several people who were there for skilled nursing were able to go home.

“We’re having to overcome some previous survey issues with the State Department of Health,” Parker added. “Unfortunately, we’re going to carry those for another year or two.”

He pointed out that resident and family satisfaction surveys give the facility consistently high ratings. They show 94 percent satisfaction with staff, 91 percent satisfaction with activities, 85 percent satisfaction with environmental services, 80 percent satisfaction with dining service, 83 percent satisfaction with transportation and 83 percent satisfaction overall.

“We’re consistently exceeding the benchmark for other nursing homes that use the same survey system we do,” Parker said. “We’ve just got to do a better job getting that word out there so we can get some people into our facility so we can take care of them.”

He said they’ll be working with some families to “spread the word that we do take good care of people. We do have an amazing staff.”

Trustee Jay Randals asked if Share Convalescent has been able to avoid sickness.

Parker said they had one nursing home resident recently who tested positive for Covid-19, but the resident did not get it at Share Convalescent. The resident had been to another facility, and when they came back they had Covid but are now recovered. He added that some of the staff have tested positive, but they have not spread it to residents. The facility is currently Covid-free, he added.

The Homestead

Parker also reported to the AHA on the Homestead retirement facility. On financials, he said expenses are considerably down compared to December of 2021.

The Friday before Christmas, the Homestead had a major issue. One of the sprinkler water lines froze and broke. “It was a mess,” Parker said.

The Homestead is owned by the City of Alva, and the AHA contracts with the city to operate it. The city is responsible for most of the physical maintenance of the facility. Parker said the city is in the process of filing an insurance claim for the damage.

Two residents had to be relocated. He praised the Alva EMS, Alva Fire Department, Share Medical maintenance department and the Homestead staff. “They all did a great job of showing up. They moved the entire contents of one two-bedroom apartment into another apartment in an hour or so,” he said. Parker added that no one was hurt, and everyone was safe.

Remembering Dr. Troy Smith

AHA Chairman Jason Gasiford closed the meeting with comments about the passing of Dr. Troy Smith. He said Smith served on the hospital authority “a good number of years.” He was also instrumental in getting eye surgeries at Share Medical Center. “Dr. Hummel still comes here, and I think that’s been going on for around 20 years,” Gaisford said.

He added that Troy’s wife Liz is a member of the Share Foundation board. “Let’s keep those guys in our thoughts and prayers,” he said of the Smith family.