Directors agree to update clinic restroom
By Melinda L. Lucas
During a discussion about providing a dedicated restroom for the rental space at the east end of the clinic building, Shackelford County Hospital District directors agreed to consider bids to remodel space that once served as a shower for the ambulance staff before the present EMS station was built.
Rather than allowing occupants of the physical therapy office to use the staff restroom or the patient restroom in the clinic area, the board decided to close off the unused shower area, which already has plumbing, with a separate door for the rental space.
“I like the idea of making that a usable space for the building,” said nurse practitioner Claire Ware. “Besides being a risk for HIPAA violations, the clinic staff has been super diligent to screen anyone who comes in the building for COVID symptoms, and if that hallway is left open, we would lose control over that side of the building.”
Board member Mike Folsom expressed his opinion the board is obligated to follow through on the agreement made before COVID became an issue.
“We’re going to have to find a way to make it work because we said we would provide a space,” said Folsom. “We did it more for a community service, not to make money from the rent. And it’s our building, so we need to pay for the improvements.”
District administrator Jera Fairley will seek bids for the work to add a toilet and sink to the space, as well as construction to secure it from the clinic portion of the building.
Other Business
•Fairley reported that the clinic had 24 positive COVID tests out of 66 administered between Jan. 4 and Jan. 18. The clinic has less than 50 tests left, with more ordered.
•The EMS has received 640 rapid COVID tests and EMS director Tina Ulbrich is working on a procedure to offer those tests free to the public. More information will be announced in the near future.
•The directors heard monthly reports from pharmacist Eric Neal, as well as Fairley and Ulbrich.
•Fairley reported that the new COVID testing area at the north door of the clinic building had been completed, and the staff started using it Jan. 13.
•She also told the board that a plan is being developed, as required by a recent investigation, so that EMS “drug diversion” will not occur in the future.
