Crawford Memorial Hospital’s emergency department score high marks in a pair of recent surveys.

Chief Executive Officer Doug Florkowski told the CMH Board Wednesday the department did well when surveyed for its work with sexual assault survivors and children, two groups rural hospitals are often not set up to treat.

Hospitals are required to provide to sexual assault survivors under the state’s Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act. Most rural hospitals transfer such patients to other facilities for that treatment.

CMH, however, is a treatment center, Florkowski said.

“We passed with flying colors,” he said of the Illinois Department of Public Health survey.

CMH also performed well when surveyed for its emergency pediatric work under the state Standby Emergency Department for Pediatrics Plan.

Only 13 Illinois hospitals are SEDP-certified and of that number, only CMH and six others are rural access hospitals.

“It shows the commitment of our staff” to caring for young patients, Florkowski said.

The board also heard the latest good news about the hospital’s finances.

CMH posted a loss in net income during April, the last month of fiscal 2022. This was because of various expenses that had accrued during the year, Chief Financial Officer Al White explained.

Revenues, at almost $12 million, were very strong, bringing the total for the year to $141.3 million. This was well over the $120 million in revenues anticipated in the budget. This was partly because of $7 million received in federal COVID-19 relief funds, but also because increased patient volumes.

Expenses were up 13 percent for the year, but overall, White said department heads deserved credit for managing costs.

“Again, this was a very good year,” he said. “I think this hospital has done a very good job.”

A 5-percent increase in fees should bolster fiscal 2023 income. Already in May CMH is on track to bring in more revenues than originally anticipated.

Work continues apace on the renovation and expansion of the Robinson Rural Health Clinic north of CMH.

There have been some additional costs because of change orders, though, in part because of changes Ameren Illinois requested.

At Ameren’s request, a transformer was relocated. Other recent changes included an additional safety rail on a ramp and alterations to the boiler room. In all, the board approved $75,429.20 in change orders to be passed along to contractor Grunloh Construction.

Florkowski told the board the latest community needs assessment has been completed. Mental health services, obesity and cancer were identified as the three most significant health problems needing addressed here.

“This is a good tool for strategic planning,” he said, explaining it gives providers and community leaders an idea of what the public sees as the most important local healthcare needs.

CMH will try to make an impact in these areas, especially mental health, but Crawford County isn’t alone in lacking mental health services.

“It’s a huge need in every community across the country,” Florkowski said.

In other business, the board approved the annual Hazard Vulnerability Analysis, as well as changes in policies and manuals.

Members also learned that Florkowski and Chief of Staff Dr. Preston Reilly will speak at an Illinois Rural Hospital Association meeting in Champaign Aug. 10.