by Staff Report
HUERFANO- Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center President Todd Oberheu told the SPRHC Board of Directors on Monday afternoon about a plan the hospital is spearheading to create a regional data sharing for six or seven hospitals in the southern Colorado.
Oberheu talked about the streamlining of patient information, as well as shared costs for such things as IT personnel and software.
The initial projected cost for such a center is $35 million, and would be shared between the facilities and grants. It is hoped that if the project is successful, it could grow to be statewide. Oberheu is hoping to base the facility in Pueblo, both because of its central location, its full internet capabilites and larger pool of possible IT employees, and the hope that Pueblo is hungry enough for a project of this size to offer economic incentives. “This could help build further connectivity between hospitals,” Oberheu said. He also pointed out the data could be shared by nursing homes and independent physicians.
The report on the Veteran’s Center was given by Nancy Corsentino, who reported she has been given a 90-day extension on her Nursing Home Administrator licence while the facility searches for a new director. Oberheu reported he also has gotten a one-year NHA licence, so the nursing home does not have to rush to choose a candidate.
The nursing home census is close to maximum capacity, and it was noted that only Fitzsimmons Veteran’s Home in Denver was a more profitable facility.
Finally, Oberheu reported that SPRHC is looking at switching their television ad campaign away from KOAA to KRDO, which is also offering them radio sports in addition to TV ads, and a savings of over $5,000 on an annual contract.
