MMH board member resigns; new CEO evaluates areas to improve

MONTROSE �” The new CEO of Montrose Memorial Hospital, Keith Broach, attended his first regular board meeting Monday. However, the seven-member board was not complete, as trustee Dianna Jagiello resigned and was not present.

Jagiello, who was appointed to the board in February by Montrose County Commissioners, stepped down effective immediately, according to a letter of resignation read by board president Wallace Belden during the meeting.

The letter stated that Jagiello was moving her residence to Grand Junction and therefore is not eligible to serve. She was assigned to the board for a three-year term.

Jagiello is the director of health promotions and community outreach for Mesa County Health Department.

The county will advertise the position immediately, said Montrose County Commissioner Allan Belt. He said “realistically” it will take about five weeks to fill the position, which will include three weeks to accept applications and interview and another two week for the selection process.

Also during the meeting, the board reviewed the patient satisfaction score, which Broach said was embarrassing.

Overall patient satisfaction score for the fourth quarter of 2007 was at 89 percent. The score for the first quarter of 2008 was 89.9 percent. Broach said this percentage should not fall below the mid-90s.

He said this is a goal of his and is working with staff.

One measure that has been taken is bridging the gap between administration and the medical staff. This is happening through Julie Disher, director of medical staff service.

“Physicians are busy all day long and we need that access and communication,” Broach said. “I’ve enjoyed going through Julie and the senior members and getting to know the medical staff.”

Broach and Disher have been meeting daily to discuss medical issues, he said.

Broach said he’s been out to dinner and lunch with several members of the staff. He said he’s been trying to follow the CPR philosophy of “stop, look and listen” when he is around the hospital.

Broach has spent time with other administration staff evaluating staffing levels; making sure the appropriate people are in the right spots.

Other evaluations are also taking place.

“We are looking at how we can better improve the bottom line while improving service levels,” Broach said.

To do this, administration is evaluating equipment; making sure the right equipment is in place.

Broach also discussed a way to reach out into the community �” providing staff with T-shirts.

The shirts will state, “first in hope, first in care and always there.”

“We have to have people in this community believe it like we do,” Broach told the board.