Hospital purchases gastroscope

The Washington County Hospital Board of Trustees approved the purchase of a $34,000 gastroscope at its meeting Thursday afternoon. Surgery coordinator Linda Six explained that a gastroscope is a small camera that a patient swallows in order for the doctor to view the inside of the patient?s stomach. The finance committee had earlier approved the purchase of the gastroscope at its meeting.

Washington Hospital CEO Dennis Hunger announced that half of the computers in the hospital are being replaced. He said the hospital is making an effort to invest in capital projects.

Hunger talked about the possibility of moving the medical clinic to a different part of the building. In an interview Wednesday, Hunger said the hospital would not build additional space for the medical clinic but would instead attempt to rearrange the offices it has.

The board learned that Dr. Sonia Gupta of the Washington County Medical Clinic is relocating to Mercy-Kalona Family Practice.

The board talked about preparing for the hospital?s 100-year anniversary this summer. Hunger said that the anniversary date falls during the county fair, so the celebration will be earlier in the summer during Hospital Week.

The public hearing on the hospital?s budget will occur at the board?s next meeting Thursday, Feb. 23.