OTHELLO - The hospital board and Columbia Basin Health Association board have started conversations about a new strategic plan designed to help the two work together more efficiently, and maybe save both some money.

The hospital turned a $159,457 profit in July, according to financial reports discussed at the hospital board meeting Aug. 23. But in a separate interview, administrator Harry Geller said the profit has not come from patient revenue, but rather from tax revenues and investment income.

The hospital generated a $722,876 profit for the year through the end of July, which is about $140,389 above the budget projections. But Geller said that's a reflection of expense reductions rather than strong patient revenue. There have been staff reductions, which have come through attrition and not filling open positions, Geller said.

The idea behind cooperation with the health association is to find ways for both to save money, Geller said. That could include combining some functions and services.

In other business, the board recognized the hospital's auxiliary group, which donated $25,000 toward the purchase of new hematology equipment for the hospital's laboratory. Board members got a demonstration of the new equipment from lab director Maria Garza.