The WCCC Board voted Wednesday to move forward with talks with SSM/St. Francis to put a Rural Health Clinic where the current activity room is by drawing up a letter of intent. The plan involves SSM using two current residential rooms along with the current activity room to put in a rural health clinic. There would be a nurse practitioner, and specialists could visit the facility depending on need. The board agreed to move forward after the estimated cost for changes to the facility went down from an estimated $90,000 to an estimated $52,000.
Funding would come from loans from Nodaway County Economic Development, the Worth County Progress Organization, and private donations. SSM would pay an estimated $1,800 per month to lease the space for five years and would keep the proceeds. This service would be offered in addition to the current rehab services that are being offered by Aegis on the east wing. It would also be in addition to the medical clinic that Mosaic is building where the old Casey’s building is located.
The hope for the Worth County Care & Rehab Center is that with two medical clinics in town, more patients will be sent locally to the WCCC instead of people having to go to Albany or Maryville for services. For instance, people would be able to get X-Rays locally instead of having to go to Maryville or Albany. Around 20 years ago, when there were two doctors in town, the facility had 60 residents with a waiting list.
The attraction for SSM is that by putting in a rural health clinic at the WCCC, they will get higher reimbursement rates than they normally would, meaning more incentive to send patients to the WCCC. Economically, the plan would create jobs and allow people to come back home; board member Susan (Gladstone) Tucker said that she had heard from 10 people who were interested in working at the new clinic if it gets off the ground.
The main expense for the WCCC would be added electricity and water expenses. SSM would be responsible for cleaning its wing. The parking in both the front and back parking lots would be the same.
The next step for the facility is to draw up the letter of intent to proceed with negotiations. It is not legally binding, but it allows negotiations to move forward. “There is more risk in us not doing this than in going forward,” said Tucker.
The board reorganized following the April 3rd Municipal Elections. Scott Houk was named President again while Patti Spainhower was named Vice-President. Other board members are Tucker, Don Null, and Jim Larson. There is a vacancy for the West Union slot. Former board member Jeff Thummel’s term was up, and he did not seek reelection.
Administrator Bev Miller reported that the current census is 18, with two Medicare Part A’s. The Easter Egg Hunt, held despite inclement weather, had 30 participants in the coloring contest. The Worth County School is holding its prom on April 28th, and participants will visit the residents.
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