Hospital getting new equipment, surveys okay

Members of the Wrangell Medical Center Board of Directors met for a brief monthly meeting Feb. 17.

There were no action items on the agenda, only staff reports.

Hospital CEO Robert Rang reported the Borough Assembly approved the purchase of new laboratory equipment last month. An equipment chemical analyzer and a coagulation analyzer will together be purchased outright for $135,000. The hospital board had initially approved leasing the machines, but Assembly members preferred to front them the money using an emergency fund it set aside last summer, saving the hospital about $20,000 in interest.

The equipment pieces should arrive in April and May, and installation will be accompanied by a dedicated training for laboratory staff. A new camera was also installed recently on the laboratory’s microscope, allowing for improved resolution in diagnostic studies.

Rang also reported a patient survey through Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) found Wrangell ranked better than the state average in a number of areas, including staff communication, pain control, and home recovery. Areas the survey indicated could use improvement included a more thorough explanation of medicines and treatment, and keeping the area around inpatient rooms more quiet.

A long term care family and resident satisfaction survey will wind down by Monday, after a month of information-gathering. The data will be used for prioritizing care improvements and will aid communication between residents and hospital staff.

January’s STAR award went to laboratory technician Vincent Balansag, for going out of his way to assist patients and residents. For example, he had reportedly helped a patient to their car during cold, slippery conditions.

The hospital will be holding its annual Health Fair blood draws starting Monday, running through March 25. Five targeted screenings will be offered at the WMC lab for a discounted rate: a general health profile, prostate specific antigen, thyroid stimulating hormone, HA1C, and Vitamin D. This will be the second year the hospital is offering the special over the course of a month rather than on the Health Fair itself, which has proven more convenient for both staff and customers.