Haxtun Health begins transition to replace CEO

With the announcement of Chief Executive Officer Dewane Pace's retirement, Haxtun Health Board of Directors took action to change bank signature cards along with delegating Julia Biesemeier, Chief Operating Officer, in assisting with CEO responsibilities while decisions on searching for a new top officer are made.

At the start of the Monday, Sept. 23 meeting, Board Chair Kent Bamford announced Pace's retirement after the call to order and invocation. He said Pace plans to continue his CEO role in a supporting manner until Dec. 10, however all communication with Pace should be directed through Biesemeier.

Later, in action items, the board opted to appoint Biesemeier in assisting with CEO responsibilities for the time being and while future discussions occur regarding a plan to search for a new CEO for Haxtun Health.

The Board also voted to remove Pace from all bank signature cards and financial accounts while adding Biesemeier as the authorized signer on the accounts.

In light of the absence of Pace, Biesemeier presented a lengthy report to board members, first announcing Ellen McConnell as Pharmacy Director. She said McConnell, who is a familiar face to Haxtun Health and the community, will lead pharmacy services with a focus on enhancing patient care.

"Her leadership, combined with the vast clinical experience and management expertise of our Chief Nursing Officer Lea White, will ensure that our pharmacy continues to deliver consistent and exceptional service," Biesemeier said.

The two, she added, plan to work together to strengthen the quality and reliability of pharmacy care at Haxtun Health for the ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of patients.

Biesemeier also informed board members on the status of the parking lot project as well as main street clinic progress.

A new parking lot has been completed at the front of the main hospital campus. LEC Construction, who was awarded the bid to compete the work, finished the project last week. The main entrance, Biesemeier said was temporarily closed during the construction but is now re-opened with a safe and accessible entrance for patient access care.

The parking lot has new six inch concrete with proper drain pans, new curb and ADA ramps form the street to the entrance. The parking lot project has been broken down into phases, as finances allow, beginning with the front. The second phase includes the emergency room parking lot. The third will replace the north entrance/parking lot.

Daily work continues at the main street clinic site, Biesemeier said. Over the last month, team members have focused on furniture, fixatures and equipment needed to outfit each area of the space.

The three main areas if the new space include primary care clinic, pharmacy and rehabilitation.

"Although these are the primary departments, the move to the new site greatly affects our environmental services team, informational technology team, registration and billing, dietary, laboratory and materials management," said Biesemeier. "The entire care team has been working closely with each other to ensure everyone has the information they need to ensure a smooth transition when the time comes."

Biesemeier said the opening of the clinic was originally estimated for Nov. 4, however, that may need to be adjusted to allow time for equipping and outfitting the space.

In other business:

• CNO White said Kenzie Fleharty resigned as Ambulance Director. Haxtun Health is currently looking for a replacement;

• The Extended Care Unit census is currently 13 with no one on the waiting list;

• Several doctors plan to complete training for IUD placement in October. Haxtun Health does not currently have a provider on staff that offers this contraceptive to patients. "We are excited to be able to provide this to the women of our community," said White.

• Joleen Stroyek, Chief Financial Officer, said the Haxtun Clinic had 319 visits last month; Fleming had 91.