Meeting Summary
The city council received an update on the Norman Regional Health System's Inspire Health Program, including progress on community engagement, letters of intent from partners, and the identification of a site for the East Side Freestanding Emergency Department. A conceptual design for the Porter Campus Health Village was presented, outlining potential future developments. A detailed financial analysis affirmed the project's affordability and strategic necessity compared to maintaining the status quo, with a focus on long-term sustainability and improved healthcare delivery.
Financial Matters
Inspire Health Program Financial Forecast
Presentation of anticipated operating revenue ($613M by FY28 with project vs $563M without), operating margins (depressed to 2% during construction, rising to 4% later), cash on hand (declining to 170-175 days, rising to 200), and debt ratios. Sensitivity analysis and status quo comparison were also presented.
Porter Campus Revitalization Initial Commitment
An initial placeholder commitment for site work and urgent care construction on the Porter campus.
Behavioral Health Center on Porter Campus
Estimated cost for the Behavioral Health Center, which would be located on the Porter campus.
Norman Public Schools (NPS) School Nurse Program Subsidy
Norman Regional Health System and its foundation subsidize half the cost of the NPS school nurse program, which includes telemedicine/telehealth services.
Public Comments
A citizen expressed skepticism regarding the extent of citizen involvement in the Porter campus development and voiced concerns about the perceived shift of development focus from the east side to the west.
Coming Up
Watch For
- City Council bond issuance approval for the Inspire Health Program
- Porter Campus Revitalization planning process, anticipated to begin in January 2020
- Opening of the East Side Freestanding Emergency Department
- Potential implementation of the ET3 (Emergency Triage Treat and Transfer) program
Announcements
- Norman Regional Health System finalized renegotiations with Blue Cross Blue Shield for existing networks and Blue Advantage (federal exchange plan), effective November 1st, with Norman Regional showing as participating by mid-November.
- Norman Regional Health System continues to subsidize half the cost of the Norman Public Schools school nurse program, including telemedicine/telehealth services, totaling approximately $500,000 annually.
- The 'Paint the Town Pink' event was a huge success, with significant community involvement.
Agenda Summary
Continued discussion regarding the Norman Regional Health System Inspire Health Program
An update was provided on the Inspire Health Program's progress, including community outreach, letters of intent from Variety Care and the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health, and the engagement of ADG for the Porter Campus Health Village conceptual design. The finalization of Blue Cross Blue Shield renegotiations was announced. A site for the East Side Freestanding Emergency Department was revealed. A comprehensive financial analysis, including anticipated scenarios, sensitivity analysis, and a comparison to a status quo scenario, was presented to demonstrate the project's financial viability and strategic importance.