Bad debt, charity care impact Othello hospital

OTHELLO - Bad debt and charity care costs meant Othello Community Hospital ended the month of June with an operating loss.

The hospital suffered a net loss of $154,519 in June, and posted a profit of $196,558 for 2013 through June 30, said chief executive officer Connie Agenbroad. The hospital wrote off $109,052 in bad debt in June, and provided $90,199 in charity care, she said.

Agenbroad presented the report at the hospital board's last meeting.

In other business, the board approved a 1 percent cost of living raise for employees. Agenbroad said employees received a 1 percent raise in 2012, but didn't receive a raise in 2011.

Othello Hospital Auxiliary members presented the hospital with a check for $28,570 to pay part of the cost of a portable ultrasound machine. The auxiliary has raised $207,997 for the hospital since it was revived in 2002, Agenbroad said.

The auxiliary's fundraisers include a golf tournament in early June, the hospital's gift shop and a jewelry sale, Agenbroad said. "We just greatly appreciate our auxiliary," she said.

Board members also raised the compensation they receive for meetings to $114 per meeting. Normally the hospital board holds one meeting per month.