Hospital update

• Nathan Diebenow | The Clifton Record Goodall-Witcher Hospital CEO Adam Willmann recently addressed the Bosque County Rotary Club about the recent happenings and future plans for the hospital in Clifton.

During the Bosque County Rotary Club's regular meeting on Thursday, May 23, Goodall-Witcher Healthcare's administrator shared an update on the facility’s progress and challenges over the past year.

Celebrating over 11 years in his role, President-CEO Adam Willmann emphasized the hospital's recent developments with an eye to future services in Bosque County.

Infrastructure

Willmann said that the hospital has undergone substantial renovations as part of a strategic plan initiated in 2021. Upgrades include new paint, flooring, and modernized bathrooms in the main building, originally constructed in 1972.

Despite these improvements, an unforeseen disaster struck in October 2023 when heavy rains exposed the vulnerabilities of the hospital’s cast iron and concrete roof drainage system. The failure led to severe flooding in parts of the hospital, but a swift and complex repair process involving hand-dug tunnels and PVC pipe replacements was completed by March 2024.

The water drainage repair ensuring the facility was ready to host a national rural OB summit in April 2024.

HVAC upgrades

Willmann said that the hospital has also focused on enhancing energy efficiency and modernizing its HVAC system.

Utilizing state funding from the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO), the facility undertook a $3.2 million project to upgrade lighting to LED and improve HVAC controls.

Although supply chain issues have delayed some aspects, significant progress has been made, with new units installed and final connections underway, he said.

Constraints amid growth

Willmann said that the hospital's various departments have experienced remarkable growth, with doubledigit increases in customer use since 2021.

As a result, this surge has led to space and staffing challenges, particularly in accommodating new specialists.

The Clifton Clinic alone saw over 3,000 visits in February and March, levels comparable to the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Financial planning

Financially, the hospital has seen growth in revenue and stability in operations, Willmann said.

With over 80 days of cash on hand and a gross revenue of $55 million, the hospital is better positioned than many rural counterparts, he said.

However, rising costs in staffing and supplies present ongoing challenges that he and the Bosque County Hospital District's board will face this budget season, he said.

Patient care, staff culture

A recent regulatory survey praised the hospital's culture, noting the staff’s dedication to patient care and the welcoming environment, Willmann said.

Additionally, an employee survey showed a high level of job satisfaction, with 99 percent of respondents expressing pride in their work, he added.

Community needs

The hospital has recently engaged in a new community health needs assessment to gather feedback on services and identify areas for improvement, Willmann said.

This initiative aims to inform the next strategic plan, ensuring the facility continues to meet local healthcare needs effectively.

Willmann said that a former hospital administrator and member of TORCH conducted the assessments on behalf of the hospital.

Recruitment and housing

Willmann said that he is building partnerships with educational institutions –both locally and statewide– to provide a pipeline for future hires.

At the same time, affordable housing for staff remains a critical issue, he said. In response the hospital foundation has taken steps to address this by purchasing a house to accommodate new employees temporarily.

The future

As the hospital continues to navigate growth and operational challenges, Willmann said that he and his staff remain committed to providing high-quality care and expanding services to meet the community's evolving needs.

Future plans include engaging with an architect to explore further facility enhancements, he said.

Willmann concluded with optimism, acknowledging the hospital’s achievements and the collaborative efforts of its dedicated staff, while also recognizing the ongoing work required to sustain and build on this success.