December 25, 2013
From Page 4
Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram
Page 27
Hospital
Roxie Blunk told the board, “Please give us our Patty back.” Janie Rathgeber, now retired after years of working in the clinic, stood and addressed the board. She is aware the board said not hiring Patty back as a DNP was “a business decision,” but she questions that choice. Rathgeber added that after 28 years, “Patty has the trust and love of her patients.” She questioned why after McNamar’s illness and recovery the board does not give her an opportunity to return as a caregiver. Rathgeber shared comments of an area woman who praised Patty for the care she gave her family, especially her husband. Rathgeber said that woman told her she planned to give money to the hospital to take advantage of one of the 70 percent tax credits, but had changed her mind because of the board’s decision about McNamar. “Was this a good business decision?” Rathgeber asked the board. Following more discussion Dr. Wilhelm stood and told the crowd, “We’re getting into areas about Patty we can’t discuss. She has concerns we can’t discuss. I’d like Patty to represent herself.” Odell said, “We remain hopeful an opportunity will be presented to meet
both of our needs.” He said the board would like to take of advantage of “Patty’s dedication and commitment.” “I can’t promise, but will commit to going through the process,” Odell said and later added, “We continue to have an open conversation with Patty.” Odell and Hospital CEO Search Following the public input portion of the agenda, Odell again recessed the meeting and returned it to the hospital at about 9 p.m. When Board Chairman Odell gave the CEO Report, he said the search for a new hospital chief executive officer is extended to the first quadrant of 2014. “We want someone who will put their roots in Kiowa,” Odell said. “We need to make sure the position is filled with the right person.” Following the November meeting (which was held in early December) Odell told the Newsgram the board hoped to have a new CEO by the end of 2013. Negotiations with that candidate he spoke of apparently failed. It was brought out at the meeting that Odell is acting as an interim CEO for the hospital or in a management/consulting capacity. During the meeting he confirmed that fee is $100 per hour.
Following the meeting, when the Newsgram inquired about this position with hospital board members and personnel answers were vague. One board member said Odell’s position is at the request of the board. Another said it was discussed after former CEO Aldeen “Van” Vandeveer’s departure September 11. No one would confirm if such a decision was recorded in the minutes. The amount of hours paid for this consulting/management fee was not available. Odell was unavailable to phone calls by the Newsgram Monday. The remainder of the Kiowa Hospital Board Meeting will run in a separate article. The next regular meeting of the hospital board is January 23 at 7 p.m.