Haxtun Health announces payoff of $800,000 2013 bond obligation

Haxtun Health recently made the final payment of a 2013 bond obligation. Chief Operating Officer Julia Biesemeier, acting as Chief Executive Officer, made announcement of the final payment in a November month-end meeting of the Board of Directors. Biesemeier continues to fill in for CEO duties in the absence of an executive in the Haxtun Health organization since the resignation of Dewane Pace in October.

Biesemeier said that Haxtun Health recently made a final payment of $80,000, officially paying off the General Obligation Refunding Bonds. Issued in September, 2013, the bond totaled $800,000 for the future of the local hospital.

"This achievement marks the culmination of over a decade of dedication and support from our community," Biesemeier said. "This accomplishment is more than just a financial milestone - it represents the collective strength and generosity of our community. This steadfast support has allowed Haxtun Health to remain a vital resource, continually improving care and services for everyone we serve."

In her report to the Board of Directors, Biesemeier also noted that staffing at Haxtun Health is moving in a positive direction. She said that current staff models have continued to stabilize with the addition of several key individuals to the team.

"While we continue to actively recruit top talent in our organization, most of our departments are fully staffed with permanent employees," said Biesemeier. "Only a few contract staff remain within the organization and those contracts are wrapping up as new permanent team members join us."

Biesemeier announced the following additions to the Haxtun Health team: Laura Haile, PTA, joined the rehabilitation team; Tara Mayer joined the dietary team; Michelle Hatchet, a familiar face rejoined the pharmacy team; Melissa Roundtree, RN, who is a familiar face to many patients; and Roechelle Dossun, now on board as a medical laboratory scientist.

Additionally, Biesemeier said Emmi Tiege has taken on the role of Emergency Preparedness Coordinator alongside her responsibilities on the registration team.

"In this expanded role, Tiege will focus on implementing practical safety and security measures to ensure the well-being of our staff during emergencies," said Biesemeier.

The COO also updated the Board on patient care, operations and training, noting that Dr. Lyle Barksdale, a Lab Medical Director form Pathology Services, recently visited Haxtun Health. She said Barksdale was in Haxtun last month to meet with the laboratory team and in doing so, provided feedback, confirming the local lab is maintaining high standards and quality patient care.

"We value the strong working relationship with Pathology Services and appreciate their ongoing support of our on-site lab," said Biesemeier.

In addition, the COO said the medical team recently gathered for a quarterly meeting to discuss actionable improvements across the emergency department, hospital and primary care clinic. "These discussions focus on implementing practical enhancements to further elevate patient care and meet the needs of our community," she added.

In other business:

• Chief Nursing Officer Lea White said the Extended Care Unit census is 14, the Fleming Clinic is scheduled to have a provider for 14 days in December and that Natasha Wilson has decided not to continue working part-time as Assistant Clinic Manager. She does plan to stay on staff as a PRN after the first of December;

• Chief of Staff Ben Stephenson said medical and nursing staff, along with clinic and hospital administration, continue to meet to optimize the inpatient rehab program. "We are working on processes to identify potential rehab admissions," he said.

• The Board voted to replace the current lab analyzer, which will be phased out of service in 2026. The hospital received a quote to replace the machine with a substantial savings with 2024 pricing.