COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

San Mateo Medical Center

DATE:

March 4, 2004

BOARD MEETING DATE:

March 23, 2004

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Nancy J. Steiger, Chief Executive Officer, San Mateo Medical Center

SUBJECT:

Amendment to the Agreement with Per Diem Staffing Systems, Inc.

Recommendation

Adopt a Resolution authorizing the President of the Board to execute an amendment to the agreement with Per Diem Staffing Systems, Inc. to provide San Mateo Medical Center (SMMC) with temporary respiratory staffing.

Background

On May 12, 2003, the Chief Executive Officer approved an agreement with Per Diem Staffing Systems, Inc. to provide temporary respiratory staffing. The term of the agreement is April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2004, with a maximum amount of $25,000. The contract was meant to provide for unscheduled absences.

In the past San Mateo Medical Center has had stable regular benefited staff in the Respiratory Department. In the last year, however, SMMC has been unable to recruit new staff compelling the increased use of traveler staff in order to maintain minimum staffing levels.

On January 9, 2004, the Purchasing Agent approved a Change Order to the agreement, increasing the maximum amount of the agreement by $30,000, from $25,000 to $55,000.

Discussion

Since the January 9, 2004 Change Order, SMMC has experienced two more staff resignations. In addition to requiring increased use of supplemental traveler staff to provide adequate minimal staffing for the Respiratory Department, overtime for regular staff has been utilized to fill the gaps in department schedules.

Efforts to recruit new staff are currently in progress. It is necessary to continue to utilize traveler staff until new staff are hired. In order to maintain adequate minimal staffing for the department, an increase of $70,000 to the maximum amount of the agreement with Per Diem is being requested.

Vision Alignment

These agreements keep the commitment to Ensure Basic Health and Safety for All and goal number 5: Provide residents access to healthcare and preventive care. This Agreement contributes to this commitment and goal by continuing to provide respiratory care staffing at San Mateo Medical Center.

Fiscal Impact

The term of the agreements remains the same, April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2004. The maximum amount of the agreement is increased by $70,000, from $55,000 to $125,000.