The following are brief reports of items discussed at the March 31 meeting of the Haliburton Highlands Health Services board.
The finance committee of the Haliburton Highlands Health Services board is projecting a $223000 deficit following the end of the organization’s 2015/2016 fiscal year which was March 31 2016.
The financial situation is a result of a $230000 deficit from long-term care however it is offset by a surplus from the hospital portion of the budget reported finance committee member David Gray.
“In regards to this deficit we’ve approached the LHIN in this regard because we’re basically supposed to operate in a neutral or break even position with a request that we would fund this out of working fund reserves that the hospital has which is basically an accumulation of profits from previous years” said Gray. “Any money going to fund this deficit is strictly coming from the hospital side there’s nothing that’s coming from the Foundation for example to fund this deficit.”
Gray said the deficit is the result of various issues including sick and overtime pay however this situation should not reoccur in the future.
“The objective is to return to a positive position in 2016/2017” he said.
HHHS currently has reserves in the amount of approximately $1.2 million.
Palliative care plans move forward
Plummer updated the board on the status of the palliative care suite which has been in the works for years.
The CEO said HHHS has submitted the next phase to the Ministry of Health and is waiting on approvals.
Plummer said it was submitted at the beginning of March and approvals can take approximately eight weeks to receive.
“Once we do get approval from this phase we will be able to go to tender for the project” she said. “We haven’t heard anything back from the ministry but in this situation no news is good news.”
Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation executive director Dale Walker said at this point the foundation is not going to actively campaign for the palliative centre as the organization needs to feel confident in the project moving forward.
To date $900000 has been raised for the palliative expansion and the foundation can finish the campaign in the upcoming fall and winter months said Walker.
Staff recognized
Interim CEO and President Carolyn Plummer reported to the board that a number of long-serving staff members were honoured at a recognition event held on March 30.
Five staff members receives a 25-year award another five received a 30-year award and one individual received a 35-year award said Plummer.
“It was great to recognize the contribution and the dedication and loyalty of our staff members. I think it speaks volumes to what a great place this is to work at” said Plummer.
Taste of Italy no more
The Haliburton Hospital Auxiliary is switching it up this fall with their annual October fundraiser.
In past years the group had organized an Italian themed night at the Legion however this year the event will be hosting an “International Night” reported auxiliary president Tracey Lear.
This year marks the auxiliary’s 45th anniversary.
