The Washington County Hospital Board of Directors met last night.  Chief Financial Officer Elaine Matzenbacher says some of the numbers from the month of July were down from the previous month, as well as what was budgeted, but up in other categories.  There were 16 admissions, but there were 23 budgeted, and it is less than in June and 12 less than last July.  Patient days was at 1,072, more than the 971 budgeted and 22 more than last July, while also 78 more than the previous month.  Outpatient visits was down from the 3,000 that were anticipated at 2,848 which was less than the 2,953 in July 2013, but it was up 435 from this June.  Emergency room visits was at 232, slightly less than the anticipated 237, but 7 more than last July, while 10 more than in June.  There were 43 surgeries, which is exactly what was budget, but 14 less than the previous month and 15 less than last July.  When looking at the year-to-date, some categories are more than expected, while others are lower, but all close to the budgeted amounts.  The hospital made a profit of $16,172 for last month and is more than the $14,654 anticipated, but less than the $26,841 made in July 2013.  The 1^st quarter bottom line is that the hospital has made a profit of $128,280, which is nearly $85,000 more than budgeted for at this time.  At this time last year, the hospital was experiencing a loss of $60,387.  The Board approved the financial report.  Joe Swinter of Eide Bailly  presented the year end audit report and said the hospital was in good shape at this time.  Everything is in accordance to financial and government standards and is fairly stated.  He also noted that WCH has less debt than many other hospitals and that is good.  President and Chief Executive Officer Nancy Newby informed the Board about a designation by the Illinois Department of Public Health as an “Emergent Stroke Ready Hospital”.  WCH achieved this special designation by meeting specific requirements related to emergent stroke care.  They also received recognition by Telligen for meeting certain areas of high quality by the Illinois Quality Organization.  Chief Information Officer, Kim Larkin talked about how the hospital is progressing with all the Meaningful Use requirements, which are being mandated by Medicare.  The time frame to move it Stage 2 is nearing, but because there have been many problems that hospitals throughout the United States are dealing with as their vendors are not able to get the software to work with Meaningful Use, there could be another year under Stage 1, but already WCH is meeting some of Stage 2 requirements.  Larkin then presented 2 capital projects needs, both of which could be refundable through Meaningful Use, if implemented by September 30^th.  One is to completely replace the hospital’s wi-fi system.  The current Cisco system is nearly 7 years old and was really only designed for 5 years, as parts and support are not available anymore.  The plan is to replace, update and have more access points in the hospital for wireless laptops and carts that staff use in the hospital.  The Board approved this project for $12,166.  This is not the same wi-fi system patients and visitors use.  The other project is to purchase a P.A.C.S. URL interface, which is required for Stage 2.  This was approved in the amount of $30,151.  The golf tournament is late next month and there are still 6 to 9 team spots open.  The proceeds go towards room renovations, of which 4 have been completed and 2 more have begun this month.