Fifteen months after two hurricanes disabled the St. Croix hospital, two temporary operating rooms and two dialysis units should be up and running by the first of the year, the board of the Gov. Juan Luis Hospital learned Monday evening.
Angeline Ravariere, acting chief operating officer, said the operating units are in place, north of the V.I. Cardiac Center, and the utilities have been wired.
The temporary hemodialysis units, each with 12 chairs, are set up on the south parking lot, waiting for inspection. They will eventually be replaced by two permanent units, purchased by the hospital, Ravariere said.
Around 30 dialysis patients remain on the mainland for treatment and won’t return until the units are operational, according to the COO.
“With three shifts, we will have more than enough (chairs) for every patient,” she said.
The hospital continues to report monthly about progress and statistics to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. A final inspection by CMS is the necessary before the units can be activated. Hospital administrators think there will be a surprise CMS visit by the middle of December, allowing patients access by Jan. 1.
The board still does not have a quorum, with only three members, so there were no votes taken. Physicians and other health care professionals will have to be approved by the Territorial Board at a later date.
Other discussions between board members Vera Falu, chair, Aracelis Walcott, and Dr. Olivine Anne Treasure and hospital staff included:
– Of the $42 million community disaster loan, a little more than $38 million has been received and used to make payments for currant expenses. Shenel Moorehead, acting chief financial officer, said the loan expires on Dec. 18 and the remaining $4 million must be drawn down by then.
– The hospital made a $2.5 million payment to the Government Employees Retirement System and owes another $1.9 million to bring the organization up to date on the employer’s contribution to retirement benefits.
– Dyma Williams, acting chief executive officer, said the hospital has been reaching out to former employees to fill necessary staff positions, especially in dialysis. Also, non-compete clauses are being considered to prevent those who leave the hospital from working for other organizations.
– JFL is trying to negotiate with the V.I. Justice Department to arrange to receive rent and utility payments for space in the hospital. Falu said the DOJ will have to make arrangements in the future because there is not currently a structure available for its morgue. DOJ has been running its morgue on the premises for years without any financial responsibility, according to Falu. The JFL morgue is only for patients who pass at the hospital.
The next board meeting is Jan. 28. All board meetings are open to the public.
