FFH hires doctors; Quorum renewed

Several additions to the staff at Franklin Foundation Hospital were announced Thursday during the monthly meeting of the Hospital Service District 1 Board of Commissioners.
The additions include family practice physicians Dr. Keidra Welch-Spenser who will move her practice from 1420 Northwest Blvd. to the hospital’s medical office building, and Dr. Caroline S. Battles currently practicing in Franklinton, La.
Hospital acting Chief Executive Officer Craig Cudworth said Welch-Spencer’s contract begins July 20 and Battles’ on Aug. 8.
Interim staff coming on board includes a surgeon on June 8 and a physician clinic manager on June 1, Cudworth said.
The board also approved a clinic consulting agreement. Cudworth said that contract worth $7,000 per month for one year is an effort to improve clinic operations and finance efficiency.
The hospital’s management contract with Quorum Health Resources also was renewed for a period of 5 years and 7 months. Specific terms of that contract are not public information, according to QHR regional vice president Don Smithburg, and therefore were not disclosed.
Cudworth said recruiting efforts are continuing for permanent chief nursing officer, clinic manager and facilities manager.
The board also expanded privileges for Dr. Donna Tesi to allow her to carry out hospitalist duties when Dr. Steven McPherson is away.
In other reports the board heard from Chief Financial Officer Ron Bailey that there was a $141,249 net loss in the month of April. The year to date bottom line through seven months of the fiscal year is $632,908.
Annual tax millages totaling 12.93 mills were renewed for the 2015 tax roll.