W.J. Mangold Memorial Hospital in Lockney (Photo FCR)
LOCKNEY, TX – The Lockney General Hospital District Board of Directors reviewed encouraging financial and operational updates during its regular meeting held April 29.
Board President Brent Barker called the meeting to order after a quorum was declared at 12:25 p.m. Board members Brent Barker, Marlon McDonald, Becky McPherson, Zach Cummings, and Lonny Hooten were present along with hospital leadership including CEO Vince DiFranco, CFO Travis Watkins, and CNO Jason McDonald.
One of the major topics discussed during the meeting was continued growth in patient services during March 2026. Hospital administrators reported increases in several outpatient and emergency services compared to February.
According to the finance report, the emergency room recorded 207 visits during March, marking the highest monthly ER volume of the fiscal year so far. The hospital also reported 890 clinic visits at the Lockney Clinic, 15 procedures performed, and 313 physical therapy visits.
Radiology services also experienced a strong month with 269 studies completed, including 67 CT scans — another fiscal year high. Laboratory services conducted 3,240 tests during the month.
Financially, the hospital posted a net gain of $122,477 for March. Total gross revenue for the month reached $1.93 million, exceeding both budget projections and March 2025 totals. Hospital officials also noted that overall expenses remained below budget.
CEO Vince DiFranco updated board members on several projects and recruitment efforts taking place at W.J. Mangold Memorial Hospital. He announced that a newly renovated x-ray room for the clinic has been completed through support from the Hospital Foundation. The updated space includes new flooring, paint, and upgraded equipment.
DiFranco also informed the board that Dr. Tim Jones would begin working shifts in the emergency department in May as part of ongoing ER and hospitalist recruitment efforts.
The board also discussed several grant opportunities available through the Texas Strong Rural Health Transformation Fund. According to DiFranco, the hospital plans to pursue funding related to rural healthcare workforce development, infrastructure improvements, and community health initiatives.
Chief Nursing Officer Jason McDonald provided updates on staffing, including the hiring of two new registered nurses expected to begin work in May. He also discussed an opening for the Assistant CNO position.
During the meeting, board members approved an employment agreement with Dr. Gasim Bella to serve as an ER/Hospitalist physician and medical consultant for elective IV services.
The board also approved credentialing requests for several physicians, including Dr. Tim Jones and multiple radiology specialists.
The next meeting of the Lockney General Hospital District Board of Directors is scheduled for May 27, 2026.
