COVID update and legal fee allowance approved

SEELEY LAKE – At the Seeley-Swan Hospital District board meeting Dec. 8, Partnership Health Center (PHC) Executive Director Laurie Francis updated the board on PHC’s COVID response and operations. The board also voted to authorize an additional $1,250 in legal fees in response to the proposed RV Park on land adjacent to the Seeley-Swan Medical Center.

Francis said as of Tuesday, six out of the 16 staff at the Medical Center were currently home due to COVID-19 quarantine requirements. This is a similar percentage at the other PHC clinics. PHC continually reminds their staff to practice social distancing and wear a mask when socializing outside of the clinic.

“We continue to message that all the time and continue to have close contacts at every place,” Francis said. “The precautions that Seeley-Swan and Missoula are following are very good and we have no evidence of patient to staff transmission.”

Francis explained that even though 11-12 PHC staff members have tested positive for COVID, their cases have been traced back to their family, friends or community spread. “We have no evidence that a positive patient that was tested gave it to a staff member.” PHC staff who are identified as a close contact to a positive case, are required to quarantine for 10 days, per the new Center for Disease Control guidelines.

Board Chair Twyla Johnson provided the board with an update from their attorney regarding the RV Park proposed adjacent to the Medical Center. She said Missoula County Planning Staff has asked for the RV Park Developer to resubmit their application and further address sewer and water issues on the property.

While Johnson is not expecting that anything will move quickly, Clerk Marty Kux requested the board vote on discussion from the Nov. 10 meeting regarding the District matching the Seeley-Swan Medical Center Foundation’s additional $1,250 to fund legal expenses. This is in addition to the $1,250 they voted to pay previously. This would cap the legal expenses at $5,000, split 50/50 between the District and Foundation.

Johnson told the board they are being very smart and conscientious regarding requests of the attorney. Lately it has been only requesting a quick email update.

The Board voted unanimously to authorize an additional $1,250 for legal fees if necessary. The Foundation authorized their additional $1,250 at their October meeting.

In other business, the board was told that the Foundation provided pizzas from Double Arrow and purchased $50 gift cards from 16 local businesses for the Medical Center staff as an alternative to the annual Staff Appreciation Picnic.

“The staff was very touched and felt super appreciated,” said Lead Nurse Karen Ayers who added that it was even more special because it supported local businesses as well. “It really was a needed boost for a lot of people. It was very generous and we are very happy to have you help support us.”

The next meeting is Jan. 12, 2021 at 5 p.m. via conference call unless otherwise noted.