During a V.I. Government Hospital and Health Facilities Corporation Territorial Board meeting Wednesday, members approved several expenditures and extended contracts for medical staff at the Schneider Regional Medical Center.
At the beginning of the meeting, Chair Christopher Finch introduced Darlene Baptiste, the new chief executive officer for the Juan F Luis Hospital and thanked Hazel Philbert for acting as the interim CEO for the last six months. Both women expressed appreciation for the support they received from the board and medical staff. Baptiste said she plans to spend the first 30 days “listening and building relationships” so that JFL can become a “beacon of health care.”
Daryl Smalls, territorial executive director for the Territorial Hospital Redevelopment team, outlined the funds needed to extend the architectural engineering work contract with FLAD Architects to develop five acres of land adjoining JFL for parking, storage, and an administration building. The construction project was finally bid successfully after a third advertisement. Smalls said the project could now be completed by the end of the year. The estimated cost increase includes construction administration, travel, and per diem expenses not to exceed $2,427,402.24 in total.
Another expenditure approved by the board was for JFL and the Biomedical Department to contract for preventive maintenance for hospital equipment for two years at $17,342.19 a month.
Finally, the territorial board recommended aligning the procurement policy with the central government’s: One quote is needed for acquisitions valued up to $10,000; three quotations are necessary for acquisitions between $10,000.01 and $150,000, and for formal solicitation acquisitions over $150,000.01. The board voted unanimously in approval.
Finch asked for a vote to change the board meeting dates for March 17 for the Finance Committee and March 19 for the full board to allow more time for the hospitals to close their books. The board agreed.
The board also approved reappointing four physicians for three years at the SRMC.
Board members attending the meeting were Finch, Justa Encarnacion, Julio Rhymer, Dr. Frank Odlum, Dr. Jerry Smith, Greta Hart-Hyndman, Faye John-Baptiste, Kevin McCurdy, and Dr. Albert Titus.
