In addition , the DHHR continues efforts to enhance its workforce at state-operated facilities with initiatives such as the nursing workforce program , which provides incentives to retain and recruit LPNs , nurses , nurse practitioners and nursing directors . The program provides an in-state relocation bonus , an out-of-state relocation bonus and a retention and hiring incentive .
Kaufman also says the recent trend in West Virginia hospitals merging into systems is beneficial for patient outcomes . Hospital mergers enable hospitals to improve clinical care , lower costs , upgrade facilities and offer new and higher quality services by spreading costs across hospitals and reducing overall health costs .
For example , electronic medical record systems are very expensive , but if you have a larger patient base , the cost per record is lower . Additionally , hospitals and providers can work together to purchase goods and services , buying in bulk to reduce overall costs .
By joining a health system , hospitals are better able to direct necessary resources , restart planned projects , recruit and retain talented clinical staff and personnel and upgrade facilities . Mergers also increase geographic coverage through clinical affiliations . If a smaller hospital does not have the patient volume to support cardiac services , it can partner with another hospital to share a cardiologist .
“ This clinical affiliation and sharing of providers expand services into smaller , rural communities , while better utilizing the limited number of specialists and helps to retain costs by avoiding duplication of services ,” Kaufman says .
Health care is often only associated with in-patient care and emergency services , but beyond the walls of the hospital , the staff offers important health screenings , educational training , child care and community fairs to support preventive care .
There are also other opportunities to improve the health care industry in West Virginia that haven ’ t been explored yet . Kaufman says there is a great opportunity to explore alternative models of care not only in rural communities in West Virginia but across the country .
“ With the aging of our population and tremendous advances in technology , how can we improve health care access to services right in peoples ’ homes , and how can we use data to improve people ’ s health thereby reducing the need for medical care ?” Kaufman says . “ Those are the opportunities we need to capitalize on in the future .” •