(Spirit Lake)– Trustees of Lakes Regional Healthcare Monday reviewed a revised schedule for the building project that involves the construction of a new wing of single-occupant patient rooms and the remodeling of some existing rooms. It was reported that completion of the first phase, consisting of the new construction, has been pushed back to about May 1st, with completion of the second phase not slated until a year from now.
In other business, the trustees voted to switch the hospital’s accreditation from the Joint Commission of Accredited Healthcare Organizations to a Medicare-based survey. CEO Rich Kielman says the change will give the hospital more of an advantage on Medicare-related issues.
The board also learned Monday the Iowa Board of Nursing has approved Lakes Regional Healthcare as a provider of continuing education for nursing. LRH Vice President of Patient Care Connie Lang says the designation will make it more convenient for nurses looking to continue their education. She says they’ll be able to take the courses right at the hospital. An educational facility is being included in the first phase of new construction currently underway.
LRH trustees also went into a closed session to discuss the possible purchase of some real estate.
