s financial health highlight of annual report

Lawrence might not agree on everything  for example, the South Lawrence Trafficway or Home Depot  but it does agree on one thing, Mayor Sue Hack said.

“I know we all agree on one important thing, and that is Lawrence, Kansas, is very proud of its community hospital,” she said.

Hack addressed about 100 people Monday night in the Lawrence Memorial Hospital’s auditorium for the its annual report to the community.

Bob Schulte, chairman of the board of trustees, said he was proud of the hospital’s increase in patient encounters and the addition of an oncology program.

“It’s great that so many people can stay close to home and close to family for treatment,” he said.

Other highlights of the annual report included almost $2.2 million in revenue surplus, which will be put back into better facilities, new technology and hiring more employees, Schulte said.

Gene Meyer, LMH president and CEO, also praised the addition of the oncology program and the dedicated registered nurse staff, which has a turnover rate below 5 percent. And with 15 new hires, the nursing staff will have a full roster.

Despite LMH’s service to the community, Meyer said the hospital could do better. He cited oncology, cardiac, wellness and prevention, and women’s programs as areas that should expand so patients don’t have to leave Lawrence for treatment.

“It’s our goal to cut down on that out migration,” he said. “We’re looking to serve more of our own people.”