Many New Changes at South Peninsula, Says CEO

     Members of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly heard an update on the health of South Peninsula Hospital at their meeting Tuesday night.

     Hospital CEO Bob Letson told assembly members that much has been happening lately, including the recent hiring of two new doctors from the central peninsula. Dr. Hillary Seger will be practicing obstetrics and gynecology at the Homer Medical Center while her husband, Dr. Carl Seger, will work in the hospital emergency room.

     Dr. Todd Boling has joined the hospital’s Board of Directors, said Letson, and long-time employee Dr. William Bell will become Chief of Staff after the first of the year.

     Hospital staff has tried many new innovations this year, said Letson, including one that came during Halloween a few weeks ago.

     "We sponsored ... a candy exchange, where children exchanged their candy for fun and prizes," said Letson. "The kids turned in 50 pounds of candy, which is being sent to ... servicemen and women, packaged up with greeting cards from the kids."

     Hospital employees are also kicking off a campaign to benefit the United Way, said Letson, as well as an effort to help the Homer Food Pantry.

     Letson said South Peninsula Hospital's gross revenue has increased this quarter by 30 percent, while operating expenses have climbed about 18 percent.