Dear Editor,As the newly elected Chair of the Board of Directors of Oak Valley Hospital, one of my major goals is to improve lines of communication with the community, employees and our many health care partners. Because our local community hospital is such a critical part of vibrant health of our citizens, I’m going to try and briefly summarize what occurs at those meetings.At our August 25th meeting, the Citizens Oversight Committee reported on the financial expenditures to date of the new hospital. Board members toured the facility, behind that great white wrap, and were simply astounded at the progress. The building is phenomenal! You can see your tax dollars at work by joining in one of the tours. Just email us at talktous@OVHD.com. The building is 43 percent complete, on budget, and on schedule to open in the fall of 2011.We approved the 2009-10 financial audit, which we passed with flying colors.Catholic Healthcare West’s strategic planning expert presented a detailed report on the anticipated changes due to health care reform. Rules and regulations are not yet in place. The number of patients who can be covered by insurance will change and we need to be ready to serve them. The way physicians and hospitals receive payment for services will change dramatically. We were encouraged to hear that Quality of Care will be the cornerstone for reimbursement. In many ways we are leaders in our field, yet much work must still be done.We welcome your attendance at the board meetings. The agendas, time, location and minutes of previous meetings are on our website www.oakvalleyhospital.com. You, the residents of this District, own this hospital and I want our Board to be responsive to your questions.Belinda AbellChair, Board of DirectorsOak Valley Hospital
Hospital Update For Community
