Cedar County Memorial Hospital Pursues Reinstatement of Level III Stroke Center Designation

May 26, 2026-The Cedar County Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees reviewed strategic clinical developments, a positive independent financial audit, and internal operational updates at its regular meeting held on Wednesday, May 20th, with all members present.

The meeting began with a presentation of the fiscal year 2026 financial audit, which ended December 2025. Conducted by independent auditing firm CLA (CliftonLarsenAllen), the Independent Auditor’s Opinion Report presented a clean, unmodified opinion of financial reports. This designation verifies that the hospital's financial statements are reliable as presented. Highlights from the report showed a cash increase, a 50% reduction in accounts receivable, and a $2.6 million decrease in total liabilities. The hospital's operating loss improved year-over-year by approximately $600,000, bringing the overall operating deficit down to roughly $1 million.

Following the financial audit, Human Resources Generalist Cindy Schrieber presented a plan to implement expanded capabilities within the Isolved payroll software. The new modules will utilize an employee engagement module to survey employees, define opportunities for improvement, track performance, and provide onboarding and recruitment support.

In the executive report, Chief Executive Officer Don Carpenter highlighted the hiring of a data analyst to allow for expert interpretation of a wide variety of institutional data.

Chief Financial Officer Carla Gilbert then presented the financial statements for April:
• Gross operating revenue: $3,270,284 (down approximately 7%, compared to April ‘25)
• Net operating revenue: $1,567,091 (down 3%, compared to April ‘25)
• Operating expenses: $2,092,235 (up 16%, compared to April ‘25)
• Net loss: $476,378 (compared to loss of $59,917 in April ‘25)
• Days Cash on Hand: 143 (up from 137 in March)

Gilbert noted that the rise in operating expenses was primarily due to inaccurate payroll accounting from March, which underreported expenses that were subsequently reconciled in April. The hospital's cash position was strengthened by a $722,000 Employee Retention Credit from the IRS.

In operational reports, Chief Operating Officer Matthew Pruitt announced the successful completion of the annual Critical Access Hospital evaluation. The facility was found to be in full compliance with federal Medicare Conditions of Participation health, safety, and quality standards. Following his report, the board unanimously approved Pruitt's request to purchase new telemetry equipment for cardiac rehabilitation. The upgraded monitoring system will align with inpatient and emergency room systems, utilizing a Meditech addition to automate vital signs data entry directly into electronic health records, eliminating manual entry for nursing staff.

Interim Chief Nursing Officer Jennie Noakes then reported that the hospital is actively working to reinstate its status as a Level III Stroke Center, a designation previously held by the facility until 2025. In Missouri, a Level III Stroke Center designation certifies that a hospital can rapidly diagnose, stabilize, and treat stroke patients. Staff are working diligently to complete each required education module on schedule, keeping the hospital on track to officially apply for the status in December.

In personnel actions, the board unanimously approved the appointment of Shawn Andreasen, RN, as the new Infection Prevention and Wound Care Nurse. Selected by medical staff, Andreasen brings over 30 years of nursing, ICU, emergency, and flight care experience. In 2008, he was nationally recognized as Nurse Educator of the Year in the United States.

“Shawn is exceptionally qualified for the role of Infection Prevention and Wound Care Nurse and was chosen based on recommendation of medical staff and nursing leadership,” shared Noakes. “His appointment will further enhance our clinical oversight and quality of care. He has extensive emergency care and leadership skills, a commitment to education in patient safety, and is a tremendous asset to the organization.”

About Cedar County Memorial Hospital

Cedar County Memorial Hospital, located in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, has been serving Cedar County and the surrounding communities since 1960. With 10 acute care beds and a dedicated team of more than 130 healthcare professionals, the hospital provides a full range of services, including 24-hour emergency care, advanced diagnostic imaging (CT and MRI), clinical laboratory testing, surgical procedures, physical and occupational therapy, and swing bed services. Cedar County Memorial Hospital is committed to delivering innovative, patient-centered care and using best practices to promote health and enhance the quality of life for its Friends, Family & Neighbors.

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