Winneshiek Medical Center is not filling the Chief Operating Officer position, thus saving money

Winneshiek Medical Center is reducing the cost of some of its administrative overhead.  That's because the retirements of the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Medical Officer at the hospital have given Winneshiek Medical Center some flexibility.  

The hospital has decided to reassign the Chief Operating Officer's administrative responsibilities among current management staff.  Former COO Dave Jordahl's responsibilities have been reassigned.  Hospital officials say they do not have any plans to fill the Chief Operating Officer position at this time.

The search for a new Chief Medical Officer is underway, but the new CMO will split his or her time between administrative responsibilities and patient care.  Dr. Susan Halter had been working half-time to fill the administrative requirements of Chief Medical Officer.  The new CMO will also spend half time on administrative tasks.  The CMO's remaining hours each week will be spent providing patient care in the clinic to help meet patient demand.  While Dr. Halter worked only half-time at her request and the new CMO will work full-time, the additional hours will be charged to the clinic and may be offset by additional revenue.