March 9, 1999

In recent years, the Medical Center has experienced a very favorable cash position. Ironically, delays caused by the affiliation-related lawsuit served the Medical Center well from a cash perspective. During a period of approximately two years, we greatly limited capital equipment purchases and renovations, and the hiring pace was down. During the fiscal year 1995-98 period, the Medical Center transferred a substantial amount of funds, approximately $120 million, to the university to support MUSC’s overall mission. Throughout this same time, our patient activity volume continued to increase.

During the past year, our cash position deteriorated as we addressed pressing needs for capital equipment and projects, incurred the costs of moving into Rutledge Tower, and increased staff. Our expenses increased in fiscal year 1998 by approximately $40 million. During this same period, our Medicare/Medicaid funding was reduced as a result of the 1997 Balanced Budget Act.

In the future, we want to avoid large cash outlays. We have recently secured financing to offset costs of some of our capital equipment purchases, and we are working to issue bonds to address physical plant needs.

We have faced some unusual situations in recent years, and have done well from a financial performance perspective. But, it will not be “business as usual” as we move forward. The 1997 Balanced Budget Act is expected to result in a decrease of $17.3 million in Medicare/Medicaid (disproportionate share) funds during fiscal year 2000. We must continue to provide the highest quality care, support the overall MUSC mission, and be attentive to health care needs of the underserved population, while managing operating costs.

W. Stuart Smith, Interim Vice President for Clinical Operations Interim CEO, MUSC Medical Center

Recruitment and Retention Research

• Last fall, more than 300 direct care, inpatient registered nurses were surveyed about factors that affect MUSC’s R.N. recruitment and retention efforts. The survey was conducted by Carol Dobos, Ph.D., R.N., director of Children’s Services; Marilyn Schaffner, R.N., MSN, clinical director of the Digestive Disease Center, Medicine and Oncology; Dora Bradley, Ph.D., R.N., instructor and evaluation coordinator at the College of Nursing; and Patricia McConnell, R.N., Hospital Services coordinator.
• Their study found the following recruitment factors: comparable pay, hours/flexible schedule, comparable benefits, state benefits, the fact that MUSC is a teaching hospital, specialty units and MUSC’s reputation.
• The study revealed the following retention factors: comparable pay, working with quality peers, supportive nurse managers, autonomy/respect, comparable benefits, overall satisfaction, staffing based on acuity, and having input in decisions.
• The research team presented the study to managers and directors, and is in the process of sharing this information with R.N.s at staff meetings. The team encouraged other departments to use similar research methods to discover recruitment and retention factors in their areas.

New Library Resource

• Tom Basler, Ph.D., director of libraries and learning resource centers, and Elizabeth Connor, assistant director of libraries, presented information about “MD Consult,” a new resource available for MUSC employees on the library’s home page. MD Consult offers online access to more than 50 complete text books and 40 medical journals, plus regular updates on medical news.
• To access MD Consult, log on to the library’s Web page (www.library.musc.edu), and click on “full text books and journals.” If you would like more information about MD Consult, please contact Connor at 792-3747. Y

2K Update

• The Feb. 23 Currents included highlights from a communications meeting presentation concerning Y2K that was given by Tom Keating, administrator for Children’s Healthcare System, and John Franklin, director of Support Services. This newsletter will continue to serve as an information resource for Y2K preparation.
• A Medical Center Y2K readiness statement entitled “Emergency Disruption of Services Due to Millennium Date (Y2K) Failures” has been prepared to provide general guidance and information on the Y2K issue. Anyone who would like a copy of this statement should call Chris Fennell at 876-1446.

Announcements

• New Location for Patient Admissions and Bed Management Sue Pletcher, director of Patient Access Services, announced that Patient Admissions and Bed Management will temporarily relocate to room 110 of the Clinical Science Building, effective March 15. The two departments will remain in that location for approximately four months.
• Blood Donors Needed Please make time this month to donate blood at the bloodmobiles in the Horseshoe. The blood supply at MUSC and other local hospitals depends on your donation. Walk-ins are welcome, but if you’d like to set an appointment for any of the dates below, please call 852-2922 and leave a message with the date and time preferred.
• Horseshoe Bloodmobiles in March Tuesday, March 16: noon-4 p.m. (Donors who donated on or before 1/19/99 are eligible to give again.) Wednesday, March 17: noon-4 p.m. (Donors who donated on or before 1/20/99 are eligible to give again.) Tuesday, March 30: noon-4 p.m. (Donors who donated on or before 2/2/99 are eligible to give again.) Wednesday, March 31: noon-4 p.m. (Donors who donated on or before 2/3/99 are eligible to give again.)

Platelet Donors Also Needed!

• MUSC Apheresis Center, Room 267, Main Hospital (843)792-3340; Tuesday, Thursday: 9:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Wednesday, Friday: 7:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. Please call to set up an appointment today!