DCHS meets safety goals, pursues loan
IRON MOUNTAIN — Dickinson County Healthcare System has achieved its annual safety goals and passed a recent independent review with a perfect score, the hospital board learned this week.
Trustees received an update on safety initiatives and programs from John Cox, R.N., who chairs the safety committee. The committee’s goal is to is to improve safety for both patients and staff while meeting or exceeding requirements set forth by the Joint Commission, a nonprofit organization that accredits health care organizations and programs.
DCHS recently passed a Joint Commission review with a score of 100 percent, Cox said. Additional safety procedures are being implemented, such as active shooter training and advanced overhead emergency notifications, he said.
In other action, Jerry Worden, interim chief financial officer, said a team of experts will help DCHS as it prepares an application for long-term financing through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Agency. The target date to submit an application is mid-July, with approval needed first at the state level. Bart Stupak of Venable LLP is leading the effort.
Jeanne Goche, interim CEO, said another phase of restructuring will begin next week and includes a “shifting of the seats on the bus” to give employees opportunities to move forward and contribute more fully to the future direction of DCHS. A new organizational chart will be shared to depict the structure, which calls for no new layoffs, she said.