Manus Appointed as Permanent CEO of Newport Hospital
Kim Manus Appointed as Permanent CEO of Pend Oreille County Public Hospital District
Background and Appointment
In a significant development for the Pend Oreille County Public Hospital District, the board of commissioners has officially removed the "interim" from Kim Manus’s title, appointing her as the permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This decision was made on January 30, 2024, following her initial appointment as interim CEO in August 2023.
Manus has a rich history with the organization, having joined Newport Hospital and Health Services in August 1986. Throughout her tenure, she has held various roles, notably serving as the Chief Financial Officer since 2001. Her extensive experience positions her well to lead the hospital district as it moves forward in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
A Commitment to Community Health
Board chair Lynnette Elswick expressed confidence in Manus’s ability to guide the organization, highlighting her deep understanding of the community’s healthcare needs. "Kim has witnessed considerable growth during her time here and is eager to explore new possibilities for expansion," Elswick stated in a message to hospital employees.
The newly instated CEO is set to progress the district’s strategic plan, which aims to enhance service line offerings, improve facilities, and expand community services. The mission of the district focuses on delivering healthcare with "integrity and exceptional quality care."
Future Vision and Initiatives
Manus is committed to building on the successes achieved during the previous leadership of Merry-Ann Keane, who has moved on to support her family while continuing her work in hospital administration. Under Keane’s guidance, several projects were initiated, including:
- Expansion of Express Care Services
- Introduction of MRI Services
- Enhancement of Respiratory Therapy
- Implementation of Live Human Telephone Operators
In addition, Keane successfully addressed a projected budget shortfall of $3.2 million in early 2023, leading the district to a positive financial position by the end of the year, as reported by Jenny Smith, the public information officer for Newport Hospital and Health Services.
Notably, Keane was pivotal in re-establishing labor and delivery services at Newport Community Hospital after a year-long closure in 2022, a move that significantly benefited the local community.
Community Involvement and Personal Life
Outside her professional role, Kim Manus is deeply connected to the Pend Oreille community. She is married to former Pend Oreille County Commissioner Mike Manus and is a proud stepmother to three daughters, with additional joy coming from her 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys activities such as golfing, huckleberry picking, and boating, along with caring for her new puppy, an 11-week-old golden retriever named River.
Organizational Overview
Newport Hospital and Health Services, operated by Pend Oreille County Public Hospital District No. 1, has been serving the community since 1921. The hospital offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including both inpatient and outpatient care, specialized clinics, and emergency services, extending from cardiology to physical and occupational therapy. With Manus now at the helm as a permanent CEO, there is optimism about the future direction and growth of healthcare services in the region.
