The Washington County Hospital Board of Trustees met last night and they looked over the financial statements.  Chief Financial Officer Elaine Matzenbacher explained the statistics were down again in almost every category from what was budgeted.  Total admissions was at 23, three less than anticipated, total patient days was estimated at just over 1,000, but was actually 923.  Emergency room visits was at 223, but was budgeted at 250.  Surgery cases was budgeted at 43 and there were 40.  Outpatient visits were budgeted for 2,667, but there were only 2,653.  For the year to date, almost all the categories follow the same trend as November’s and December’s actuals compared to what was budgeted.  Except for surgery cases, which is 5 ahead of what was budgeted and outpatient visits, which is just over 2,000 more than budgeted.  Chief Executive Officer, Nancy Newby believes the volume numbers will be up in January, as December’s numbers were some of the lowest in nearly 2 years.  For the month of December, the hospital reported a loss of $113,979, while they reported a loss of $97,557 for last December.  For the year to date, they report an income of $86,184.  Next, Newby introduced Candice Hawley as the new Chief Nurse at Washington County Hospital.  She lives in Sparta and has worked at Carbondale Memorial and Cardinal Glennon Children’s in Saint Louis, among other hospitals.  Her specialty is surgical services.  Mayor Raymond Kohlweier made his presentation on the Nashville – Washington County Enterprise Zone, as he has been meeting with all the entities in the zone, asking for support of the application due this year.  The Board approved their support for the Enterprise Zone.  Newby told the Board about the Annual Laboratory Competency Report, saying that there was 100 percent attendance at the annual orientation – in-service meeting.  Also, all lab competencies have been complied, but one employee is still in orientation.  All staff education has been validated and have met their continuing education.  So, the report was very good and the Board approved it.  Terms for three Board members are expiring and they will consider whether to remain or let their term expire.  This includes J.W. Metcalf, Greg Engele and Audrey Finke.  Matzenbacher then told the Board that the budget process has begun and she will have the new budget ready for approval at the April meeting.