Clinton's Warner Hospital and Health Services will look forward to the Clinton City Council approving its Fiscal Year 23 budget next week. 

CEO Paul Skowron calls it a more normal budget than the previous three because COVID impacted the previous three. He points out there are still COVID impacts in this year's budget but not as much as in previous years.

Skowron points out, federal COVID money was very helpful to facilities like Warner Hospital and other healthcare institutions. He explains there continues to be a shortage of medical supplies when they are needed.

A diminishing of COVID locally and in the healthcare system, in general, is allowing the hospital to shift its focus back to facility management. As Skowron told Regional Radio in March, the City-owned entity is planning to add an entrance to its specialty clinic.

The hospital will also be focusing on the wellness center. Skowron explains this is going to build on a program that is becoming very popular within its system focused on preventative health.

Skowron says there is a lot the hospital wants to do this year from a capital improvement perspective they are going to be pressed to afford to do it all.

Skowron says the focus of the hospital has shifted to building a bigger hospital without bigger walls. He explains that could be keeping telehealth options available for the community as well as eventually seeing healthcare professionals make home visits.