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Norwalk
Health Department
Board of Health Actions
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September 13, 2005
8:00 AM
Library
Call to order at 8:10 AM
Present: Board of Health –Ms. Burke, Mr. Lalime, Dr. McNamara (via telephone),
and & Dr. Tracey
Staff – Mr. Callahan & Ms Hoffler
Minutes of July 12, 2005 Meeting
A motion to approve the minutes was made by Dr Tracey, seconded by Mr. Lalime
and was passed by a unanimous vote.
Pediatric Update
Mitchell Kresch, MD is no longer the Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics
at Norwalk Hospital. Reorganization of the department with less focus on administration
and greater emphasis on the provision of clinical services is planned. Harrison
Pierce, MD is the interim Chief of Pediatrics.
The Norwalk Community Health Center, the sole Norwalk based pediatric practice actively participating in Medicaid, is experiencing an influx of patients. Most of the patients formerly received their care from Survan Shah, MD. Dr Shah’s practice is closed to patient care. A clerical person is available to assist patients in the transfer to another provider.
School Entry Physicals
A report prepared by Darleen Hoffler, RN, and Clinical Services Supervisor was
reviewed (attached). Pertinent statistics are as follows:
Total number of slots available: 104
Total number of slots filled: 88
Total number of physicals completed: 69
Age Groups served:
Elementary (ages 5-10): 33% (23/69)
Middle School (ages 11-13): 29% (20/69)
High School (14-18): 38% (26/69)
Insurance Status:
Insured: 19% (13/69)
Uninsured: 81% (56/69)
Staff indicated some patients challenged the fee system and consequently staff recommends establishing a minimum fee. After a discussion the Board concluded that the program appears to be needed, the staff productivity is acceptable, and the large percentage of uninsured patients presents an opportunity to enroll children in the HUSKY program. The Board recommended the Health Department and Norwalk Community Health Center administrators work together to enroll the uninsured in the HUSKY program and explore opportunities to enhance revenue through a cooperative approach.
Grants Update
The Community Caseworker, AIDS, Bioterriorism, and Preventive Health Block grants
were reviewed. The Common Council is scheduled to take action on these grants
at their September 13, 2005 meeting. That action will enable the Mayor to sign
the grant contracts. Ms Burke expressed an interest in the provision of AIDS
education to young people enrolled in the computer learning centers operated
by the Norwalk Housing Authority.
Other Business
Health Department Generator
Utilizing Bioterriorism grant funds, a 200 KW generator will be installed on
the north side of the Health Department building. This generator is capable
of providing power to the entire building. Construction will begin within the
next week.
Adjourn: 9:05 AM
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