Ups and downs at Seneca Hospital
Two of the focal points at the meeting of the Seneca Healthcare District Board of Directors on Feb. 27 were the process for the search for a new hospital CEO and the decline in patient usage at the clinic and hospital.
The board listened to a six-point proposal regarding how to proceed in recruiting and identifying qualified candidates.
After some discussion the board did approve a job description, possible compensation and a recruiting budget, but other areas need to be confirmed prior to beginning the search.
During the financial report the main reason for the $128,000 net loss for the month of January was attributed to a decline in gross patient revenue, in other words, fewer patients.
The upside that was noted related to a savings in overall operating expenses of $60,000 less than budgeted.
HR Manager Jim Kooyman related a dire need for personnel in the housekeeping department at the hospital. Anyone interested in applying for a position in housekeeping can contact the HR Department through the Administration Office at 258-2067.
New hires
Family Nurse Practitioners Stephen Hayden and Theresa Nielsen joined the SHD team in Fall of 2019.
Hayden has served the community in the Walk-In Clinic since April 2018. Nielsen first came to the clinic in February 2019 as a traveling locum provider.
The Lake Almanor Walk-In Clinic of Seneca Healthcare District is Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Walk-In Clinic is closed daily from noon to 1 p.m.
If a patient arrives before 5 p.m. the staff will make every effort to ensure the patient is seen by a provider.
Same day care, non-scheduled primary care visits can include, but are not limited to:
– Cold like symptoms: cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, chills, etc.;
– Falls, sprains, and strains;
– Sports/scouting physicals;
– Blood pressure checks;
– Immunizations;
– Minor infections; and
– UTIs.
For same day basic women’s health visits or suture needs, call Theresa Nielsen’s office at 258-1926.
Lake Almanor Clinic providers accepting new patients
Theresa Nielsen, FNP
Office Hours: Monday-Friday
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
258-1926
Extended hours will be available in spring of 2020
Dr. Daniel Cooper, DO
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday
7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
258-3750
