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Facility mending old ways

Medical center fights to reverse financially unstable image, bringing tighter fiscal control over past year

Web posted May 2, 1998

By Kathy Steele
South Carolina Bureau

CLEARWATER -- The interim director at the Margaret J. Weston Medical Center made a public attempt Friday to mend the battered image of the financially-strapped facility and raise money to pay off its federal tax debt.

At a news conference at the center, Michelle Marrs said better record keeping, cutting of operating costs, and tighter fiscal controls are bringing the center's finances back in line. Within 30 days, a financial director will be hired, she said.

Candidates are also being interviewed for executive director and additional medical staff, Ms. Marrs said.

While there has been a short-term cash flow problem there has been no evidence of big deficits, Ms. Marrs said. The deficit for the past year was about $2,000, she said.

``It's difficult but we are meeting payroll,'' Ms. Marrs said.

She met last week with officials at the regional office of the Department of Health and Human Services to review progress in addressing problems uncovered in a full-program review of the facility in March.

An investigation and audit of the center's finances will be done by the agency to determine how federal dollars given to the center have been spent. Some money has been unaccounted for but board members said Friday there is no evidence of fraudulent acts.

``The staff and board are prepared to fully cooperate,'' said the Rev. Joseph Harrison Jr., a board member. ``The board members will take appropriate action pending the outcome of the investigation.''

He said a ``sickness'' has invaded the organization but ``sickness is not unto death. The healing process has begun.''

The regional review found the center's finances in a mess and squarely placed the blame on board members for letting the center operate for three years without a financial director.

Board member Rhett Winters conceded, ``We were remiss in not doing something sooner but we have been making progress in some areas I have seen. There are a lot of things good about this center. It's doing a service.''

A suggestion by regional officials that the entire board resign is unacceptable but chairwoman Lauminnia Nivens said they are revamping the board and looking at the center's missions.

``Everyone is committed to the center and the community,'' Ms. Nivens said. ``We'll all do what is necessary and best for the interest of the center. Whether the entire resignation of the board is necessary, that's really questionable.''

At the close of the news conference, the Rev. Harrison donated a personal check for $500 to help pay off taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service. He also issued a challenge to area churches to take up collections for the center.

If 100 churches pledged $1,000 each, he said, ``We could eliminate the debt we owe in 30 days.''