Juneau: Hospital budget community feedback forums happening in June
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~ Bartlett Regional Hospital, an enterprise fund of the City and Borough of Juneau, is facing significant operating losses that are not sustainable in the long term. In order to address this issue, the hospital is implementing changes to its core operations and seeking community input on non-core services.

Since 2019, Bartlett has not achieved an operating margin and has been losing approximately $1 million per month from operations since the summer of 2020. As a self-sustaining organization, the hospital relies on fees from patient services to fund its operations. To ensure its independence and long-term sustainability, Bartlett needs to reduce its operating loss for core hospital programs by at least $7 million. This will allow the hospital to maintain a reasonable operating margin and continue providing quality care to the community.

Under the guidance of the Board of Directors and CEO, Bartlett has already begun implementing process discipline methods to improve operational performance. Additionally, a thorough review of all programs offered by the hospital has been conducted.

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In recent years, Bartlett has added several ancillary and public health programs alongside its core services. However, these programs have been cross-subsidized by the hospital due to insufficient state and federal funding resulting in low reimbursement rates. In light of this, a comprehensive review of each program was presented to the Board of Directors during their meeting last night.

Now, the Board is seeking public input on community healthcare priorities and non-core hospital programs. Two Community Feedback Forums will be held on Tuesday, June 4th and Monday, June 10th at 5:30 p.m. on the hospital campus. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual participation option will be available. More information can be found on Bartlett's website.

Those who are unable to attend either forum can also submit their comments electronically or in writing to the BRH Board of Directors before June 19th at 4:30 p.m. The Board will review all community feedback and make recommendations on non-core programs at their meeting on June 25th.

It is crucial for the community to participate in this discussion as it will impact the future of healthcare services provided by Bartlett Regional Hospital. The hospital remains committed to providing quality care and ensuring its long-term sustainability, but it cannot do so without the support and input of the community.

Filed Under: Government, City

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