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It’s status quo for Northfield Hospital ownership
The Northfield City Council met for a work session last night. They had a lengthy discussion with the Hospital Board. The main subject was the Boards reaction to recommendations by the Hospital Task Force. The first of which was the question of ownership. Mayor Rossing read the recommendation, “the task force recommends that the current ownership/management model be continued until a significant change in the delivery and/or reimbursement of healthcare causes the topic to be revisited”. Board Chair Gina Franklin, along with several members of the Hospital Board were on all agreed that the current ownership model is what they’re interested in. Mayor Rossing said there had been a rumor that the hospital was considering becoming a 501C3. Rossing said it was important to reassure citizens and hospital personal of the stability of ownership. As the Hospital searches for a new CEO, they were concerned that any possible shift in ownership would color their options of candidates. Rossing stressed that she wanted the Hospital Board to also adopt the same resolution. The discussion, while at some points seemed uncomfortable, all agreed that it was great to communicate with each other. Vice Chair of the Board, Charlie Kyte noted that this kind of meeting “should happen with some kind of frequency… it will be a better community if we’re all talking to each other”.
Community Ed and Rec will see more funding
The group also talked about financial support for the community from the Hospital. The Board approved a donation of just $107,625 to Community Education and Recreation for 2013 and 14. Chair Franklin continued saying that the Board also approved a committment to consider a donation of $110,000 for the years 2015 and 16.
Search begins…
The other item was a quick discussion on where they are in the process of hiring a new CEO. Rossing said the Hospital Board will be sending out RFP’s to consultants to help them in the process of hiring. They expect to have the position filled within 6 months. All sides agreed there should be city representation in the vetting process. The entire meeting is archived online at kymnradio.net
Northfield schools celebrate…
As reported Senator Al Franken visited the TORCH program here in Northfield last week. Superintendent Dr. Chris Richardson said the program has seen incredible growth in graduation rates from 36% in 2004 to over 90% in 2011 and 12. Franken spent over half an hour with the students talking about the program and what it means to them. The Northfield school district has much to be proud of, at their Board meeting several people and programs were recognized including NHS art teacher Christy Clark was named k-12 Minnesota teacher of the year.
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