The plan was developed after a two-day retreat by the service district board of trustees and after further coordination with district leadership. The process was directed by Jeff Call from the consulting firm Innerview.
Health District CEO Craig Preston explained that the board worked from a few ground rules while coming up with the strategic plan: only deal with what the district has control over and make decisions based upon facts.
Preston said he is pleased with the development of the plan. “The process was very favorable in getting us to this point,” said Preston. “They came together and agreed what to do as a board.”
The health care board includes chairman Buddy Redd, vice chairman Doug Allen, Toni Turk, Steve Simpson, Burton Black and Alan Barry. In addition, Preston and Dr. Paul Reay participated in the two-day retreat. Preston said that although the board is diverse and represents a variety of viewpoints, they were able to come together.
All six members of the board made a presentation to the County Commissioners on April 28 to outline the goals.
The five strategic goals are accompanied by action-oriented performance measures, clear deadlines and a deliniation of who are the responsible parties.
They include:
1. Be the employer of choice.
2. Provide high quality care.
3. Be the provider of choice.
4. Grow through innovation.
5. Ensure financial viability and stability.
The Health Care District, which operates San Juan Hospital and clinic and outreach efforts, had a $400,000 net income in 2007. The district also saw the forgiveness of nearly $500,000 in long term debt in 2007. At the current time, the health care district has no long-term debt.
The $100,000 project to develop a strategic plan was funded partially by the San Juan County Commission and partially by the state Community Impact Board. The project covers two parts: development of the strategic plan and completion of a facility assessment.
Preston said that the facility assessment will be complete in May by Chamberlain Achitects of Grand Junction, CO. The assessment will include a thorough review of the physical plant, mechanical and electrical systems at San Juan Hospital. “It is important that we know where we are with our building,” explained Preston.
Preston said that the process helped the district answer questions such as, “Where are we? What do we want to do? What is our responsibility?”
Preston characterized the end result as more of a one-year plan. He said, “It is long term in some ways, but focuses on several short-term goals.”
Construction is on-going at the Blue Mountain Hospital in Blanding. Ground breaking was held in November, 2006 and the facility is expected to open in early 2009.
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