Denise Hanson
Denise Hansen, 29, has worked in health care for seven years, most recently at the former Good Samaritan Care Center in Paynesville and Hilltop Good Samaritan Center in Watkins as the director of social services. She has an undergraduate degree in social work and is currently working on her master's degree in social work. She and her husband, Greg, have a 19-month-old son.
Why are you interested
in serving on the hospital board?
I believe my education, coupled with my work experience, would be beneficial to the hospital board. The masters of social work program at Augsburg College emphasizes the ability to problem solve, advocate for individuals, and develop community programming. I believe Paynesville to have an outstanding health care system, and I would like to play a role in preserving the quality and integrity of services provided to the community.
What do you see as major issues
facing local health care?
In addition to the major issues facing the whole health care industry, local issues include: finances; adjustment to recent expansion; recruiting and retention of quality physicians, nurses, and other health care staff; and keeping up with technology. As with any rural community, it is essential people are confident in using local health care instead of traveling to larger cities.
What should be the board's
priorities in addressing these issues?
The hospital board has positioned themselves to address several of these issues through their five-year strategic plan. Priority should be placed on program development to enhance revenue, decreasing the operating margin, promoting positive employee morale, and decreasing employee turnover.
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Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson, 60, has a bachelor of science in mathematics and a master's degree in guidance and counseling. He retired two years ago as marketing manager for an insurance company, where he supervised insurance agents in four states and worked with federal regulations and compliance audits. He and his wife, Sharon, have two grown daughters.
Why are you interested
in serving on the hospital board?
To support the continuation of excellent medical services in the Paynesville area.
What do you see as major issues
facing local health care?
Finances.
What should be the board's
priorities in addressing these issues?
Continue to offer and expand medical services to attract people to the Paynesville Area Health Care System facilities. Planning and marketing strategies will be critical in attaining goals.
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Kay Spooner
Kay Spooner, 47, a 1973 graduate of St. Cloud Cathedral High School and 1977 graduate of St. Benedict's College, worked for two years at a long-term care facility while attending college. For the last seven years, she has been the office manager at Mueller Wood Products. She and her husband, Bill, have three boys.
Why are you interested
in serving on the hospital board?
I was approached by Grace Peteler, the current township representative, to run as her replacement. I thought a lot about it, and after attending a hospital board meeting I felt I could offer something to the board. I have learned much about what it takes to be an effective board member by being involved in the Chamber of Commerce and the Paynesville-New London-Spicer (PNLS) Hockey Association. Since announcing that I am a candidate, many people in the community have talked to me about their concerns and opinions of PAHCS. Finally, as a wife and mother, I feel I can be an effective voice for the township.
What do you see as major issues
facing local health care?
There are many issues facing local health care. Keeping up with the constant changes in health care is a major issue. Other major issues are how to deal with the current nursing shortage along with meeting the needs of the rest of the staff, from physicians to dieticians to housekeepers to office staff. It is equally important to make sure the quality of health care is not compromised.
What should be the board's
priorities in addressing these issues?
I believe the board should focus on the important issues as I stated in the previous question at the same time focusing on the financial status of the hospital district.
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