Cherokee Nation Health Services reports 3,740 employees, readies new Hastings Hospital with phased service openings

Dr. Jones, reporting for Cherokee Nation Health Services, told the committee the organization has "3,740 employees," of whom 77% identify as Cherokee and 83% are employed under Indian-preference practices, and that among roughly 516 licensed professionals the system's vacancy rate is about 1.3% ("only seven vacancies"), reflecting high retention.

The health-system leader described active construction and preparations for a move from the current Hastings Hospital into a new Hastings Hospital facility. "Once we start that process it is a non-stop all hands on deck for approximately 48 hours of moving patients and setting things up," Dr. Jones said, noting VIP tours and a subsequent grand-opening event but declining to provide exact public opening dates.

Dr. Jones said several specialty service lines will come online after the hospital opens because they require additional certification and staffing. "The NICU is not going to be open day one," he said, and cited cardiology (cath labs) and nuclear medicine as services that will be phased in as the Nation completes hiring and secures required approvals from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Separately, Dr. Jones highlighted a Claremore facility the Nation finished (originally begun by IHS) that will house cardiology and a women's clinic and increase primary-care capacity. He said Claremore currently has eight filled primary-care positions (all non-contract) and four pediatricians recently hired, and that about 200 candidates are in the hiring pipeline across service lines.

On staffing mix, Dr. Jones said the organization has reduced reliance on contract employees and intends to align budgets with openings for new service lines, including a planned adult behavioral-health treatment center. He also noted increased patient volume and more people presenting in crisis, which could affect capacity and budget assumptions.

The committee pressed for follow-up details on contract staffing counts and event partnerships; Dr. Jones said he would provide requested information to members. The committee took no formal action on hospital schedules or budgets at the meeting.