Haxtun Health staffs 2 pharmacists; clinic project progresses

Chief Operating Officer Julia Biesemeier continues acting duties in the absence of a chief executive officer at Haxtun Health. Biesemeier gave the Haxtun Health Board Directors a lengthy report in October's month-end meeting, updating members on a recent pharmacy inspection, status of the main street clinic construction, general operations and impacts to the organization due to recent flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.

The State Board of Pharmacy was on site in Haxtun for an unannounced survey on Oct. 21. According to Biesemeier, the annual state inspection was completed successfully and only minor findings were identified, all of which were addressed and resolved swiftly.

Just before the survey, Pharmacist Ellen McConnell returned to the Haxtun Health pharmacy full-time. Chief Nursing Officer Lea White said that McConnell's willingness to come in prior to her official start date helped ensure compliance with the State inspection. White said a few of the minor findings had already been identified by McConnell and she was in the process of addressing and correcting.

"Under the leadership of McConnell, our pharmacy continues to improve and evolve, ensuring we provide the highest level of service to our community," Biesemeier told the Board. "We remain committed to building trust and delivering safe, reliable care every day."

It was also noted that a second, full-time pharmacist was hired and has started at the Haxtun Health Pharmacy.

As for clinic construction on main street, Biesemeier said the building project has reached significant milestones this month with several major systems now fully operational. She added that electricians have successfully powered the building and all breakers are functional.

The fire suppression system has passed all inspections after the town water supply was activated and all minor issues were identified and resolved.

"The system is now fully operational and in compliance with State regulations," Biesemeier said.

Conquest Doors completed the installation of the low voltage access control system, server room and software configuration. They are in coordination with Elevate IT to ensure all services are integrated smoothly and functioning as required, Biesemeier added.

Other final punch list items left, she said, include plumbing fixtures, trim and appliances. They should be addressed within the next few weeks.

Biesemeier said that, for a short time throughout October, the Extended Care Unit was closed to the public due to illness. White added to the subject in her report, noting that a number of patients and staff tested positive for COVID with only mild to moderate cold systems. The ECU is back up for visitors and regular daily operations. The current ECU census is 15.

In sticking with operations, Biesemeier told the Board that several clinical staff, including medical and nursing team members, participated in pediatric respiratory training provided by Children's Hospital. The hands-on training equipped the Haxtun Health team with skills to better serve the Haxtun community, particularly in managing pediatric respiratory cases, Biesemeier said.

Additionally, the COO reported that female providers completed IUD training in October to bring new offerings to women's healthcare services in Haxtun.

At the end of her report, Biesemeier said Haxtun Health is seeing a shortage of IV fluids due to floods caused by Hurricane Helene. She said floodwaters in North Carolina significantly damaged Baxter Pharmaceuticals' manufacturing plant, a primary supplier of IV fluids. She said Baxter is expected to remain non-operation until the end of the year, leading the Food and Drug Administration to declare a nationwide shortage of essential medical supplies.

"Fortunately, our team has done a great job of shoring up our supply of IV fluid currently, however we are being extremely mindful of the situation and are operating with conservative measures in place," said Biesemeier.

At the start of the meeting, Chief Financial Officer Joleen Stroyek gave board members numbers for the period ending Sept. 30. Her numbers reflect the average daily census for in-patient, in-patient rehab and ECU were all negative and under budget for the month. Monthly visits for the Haxtun Clinic and Fleming Clinic followed suit, coming in 15 percent and 51 percent under budget, respectively, for September.

Gross patient revenue, Stroyek said, was seven percent under budget for September while total operating expenses were four percent over budget.

White, in her report, noted that all nursing positions are fully staffed and that Kelsey Garretson has taken on the role of the Ambulance Director.