DICKINSON COUNTY HEALTHCARE System has again been recognized by a national watchdog organization for patient safety and maternity care. (Brian Christensen/Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — While Dickinson County Healthcare System stands ready to accept COVID-19 patients and protocols remain in place, a pandemic committee formed at the hospital in March 2020 has disbanded after a “dramatic decline” in local virus cases, the hospital’s CEO said Thursday.

“It’s not a significant need right now,” Chuck Nelson said during a hospital meeting conducted electronically.

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, DCH currently has no COVID-19 patients. The department, however, lists 10 cases at U.P. Health System-Marquette, including four in intensive care.

Dave Holmes, hospital board vice chairman, said the Dickinson-Iron District Health Department is coordinating an effort with local schools to make COVID vaccines available for youths ages 12 and older.

In other action, the hospital board:

— Approved the nomination of Keith Hammond to fill a board vacancy created by the resignation of Sally Blom. Hammond’s appointment is subject to the

Dickinson County Board’s advice and consent.

— Heard Brian Donahue, chief finance officer, report that DCH will be rebudgeting for a downturn in inpatient activity. Although outpatient and professional visits are up, inpatient volumes were down 10% in April and 23% year-to-date, he said. The inpatient decline is something most hospitals are seeing, he added. The hospital reported a positive bottom line of $3.7 million for 2020, which included an unspecified amount of pandemic aid. No figures were shared Thursday on the year-to-date 2021 performance.

— Learned from Nelson that a closing date still must be scheduled for the $16.9 million federal loan the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development approved in March. Nelson also noted the launch of a new medical records system, Athenahealth, has “gone extremely well.” DCH started using Athenahealth on May 11. When fully operational, it will allow patients to access their medical records, request appointments, refill prescriptions, review test/lab results and communicate electronically with their health care team, all online.