Directors election called for May 7

By Melinda L. Lucas

An abbreviated meeting of the Shackelford County Hospital District board was held Monday evening with one director on phone speaker in order to make up a quorum so that bills could be paid and a couple of other time-sensitive decisions made.

Several other items on both the district and clinic agendas were delayed until next month when more members are present.

An election was called for Saturday, May 7, with the two-year terms of Chris Beard, Myra Hise, Janna Ledbetter, and John Peterson expiring this spring.

Hospital board candidates must have their application petition signed by 10 currently registered Shackelford County voters in order to file.

Other Business

•After discussion, board president Jo Ann Estridge authorized pharmacist Eric Neal to sign a contract with a consulting company so that a newly formed pharmacy co-op can hopefully get better pricing on drug purchases.

•Estridge also reported that the board is “moving ahead” with plans to interview candidates for the district administrator’s position, possibly advertising again for the post after several have withdrawn their applications.

•EMS supervisor Tina Ulbrich reported that federal regulations have been upheld requiring medical workers, including those at the EMS station, clinic, and pharmacy, to be vaccinated for COVID or lose funding, with a Jan. 27 deadline.

•Nurse practitioner Claire Ware asked board members to try to come up with a better long-term solution for a COVID testing and treatment area, commenting that extreme temperatures and precipitation make the outdoor parking lot site difficult without a shelter. Director Mike Folsom volunteered to look into a two-car drive-through option.

•A motion passed for a resolution to move money into the EMS account.