The Bradley County Medical Center Board of Directors met Monday, Dec. 29, and approved the minutes from its Dec. 2 meeting.
Controller Matt Pace presented the November financial report, noting a decline in overall patient days and visits. Pace reported, however, that speech therapy visits increased by 50% during the month.
Gross patient revenue for November totaled $2.8 million, with net operating revenue of $1.1 million. The medical center recorded a net loss of $699,000 for the month. Pace also reported that accounts receivable decreased by $672,000 and that $121,000 was added to the hospital’s sales tax fund.
CEO and CFO Leslie Huitt said November was a strong month operationally, aside from revenue. She attributed the lower revenue in part to the holiday season, noting that clinic and outpatient volumes declined during that period.
“It’s possible we will see the same scenario for December,” Huitt said. “However, revenue is showing some improvement so far this month.”
Huitt said she has spoken with other hospitals in South Arkansas that are experiencing similar volume declines, with some facilities calling staff off due to low patient census. Huitt and Chief Nursing Officer Jamie Wolfe both noted that hospitals in Little Rock remain full, creating challenges when transferring patients who require higher levels of care.
Huitt also reported that the hospital’s annual audit is approximately 90% complete. She said the marketing position has been posted, and several applications have been received. Additionally, Huitt said hospitals across Arkansas are awaiting the outcome of the state’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” which is expected around Dec. 31.
Huitt recognized the radiology department for successfully completing a state inspection on Dec. 6 with no deficiencies cited.
Wolfe reiterated that patient transfers continue to be a significant issue due to capacity limitations at larger hospitals. He also reported an increase in flu and COVID-19 cases.
Chief Operating Officer Leeanna Williams thanked the board for approving renovations to the physical therapy room at the Brunson complex to better serve pediatric patients. She said renovations are currently underway.
The board approved four annual policies before entering executive session.
The next Bradley County Medical Center Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at 12:30 p.m.
