Budget Concerns Continue for Cook County Health System

Cook County Health and Hospitals System Board Meeting - April 27, 2018

What did the Board Decide?

• Board president asked the Finance Committee to do a “deep dive” on significant revenue and expense deviations – and in particular – claims, payments, increase in charity care numbers, and overtime issues.  Director Robert Reiter is the new Finance Chair replacing departed Ric Estrada.  
  
• Approved contract for new space to consolidate the County’s Public Health Operations.  Will be located on Roosevelt Road in Hillside.
  
• Accepted the resignation of Director Virginia Bishop for health reasons.  The Cook County Health & Hospital Committee of the Cook County Board of Commissioners will be asked to convene and recommend replacement nominations.

What did the Board Discuss?

• Behavioral Outpatient Services.  A behavioral staff member asked the board to bring this department back to Stroger.  It was moved to Austin Clinic and Provident Hospital when the old Fantus Clinic was torn down.  Dr. Shannon responded that most of the need is on the south and west sides which is where services are offered in addition to Telephone Psychiatry services.  It is not scheduled to return to the new clinic or Stroger.  However, all 15 ambulatory clinics have services. Director Richardson asked for metrics and continued feedback at future board and committee meetings.  
  
• While no discussion ensued, the Board was told that the System anticipates a “final” Shakman review from the Department of Justice regarding the Cermac Jail Health Facility.
  
• A report was given on the Districts Behavior Health progress since the Evidence-Based Strategies were initiated three years ago.  The report is yet to be posted with the board agenda nor were the April 27 board minutes available as of May 7, 2018.  In 2017,  over 53,000 patients were screened for baseline mental health evaluation, treatment options, referral locations, and follow up.
  
• The Public Health Department presented a quick overview of its quarterly report.  Highlights include their focus on high risk infants, screening newborns for hearing, and a reporting system for adverse birth outcomes - the Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Reporting System [APORS]. 

Observer - Diane Edmundson