By Nicky Boyette
Peter Savoy, CEO of Eureka Springs Hospital since May, made his first appearance at a Hospital Commission meeting Monday afternoon. Savoy, like his predecessor Chris Bariola, also oversees the facility in Dardanelle managed by Allegiance Health Care. He worked at another critical access hospital in Mamou, La., for the prior 12 years. He and his wife had visited Eureka Springs several times over the years and found it to be “a fascinating town.” He spends at least two days a week in town, and said he tries to schedule his time here at the end of the week so he can enjoy weekends here as well.
Savoy said he has seen Allegiance getting more active in Arkansas and “doing whatever is necessary” to keep his two facilities current on equipment. He said Allegiance has spent $550,000 since July on “up-to-date top-of-the-line equipment” including new digital radiology equipment and a 32-slice CT scanner. Radiographer Amy Campbell Brandt commented, “The image quality is fantastic” and considered their service equal to what patients would get at other facilities in the area. She was also pleased ESH does not have to send patients elsewhere to get this service.
Savoy mentioned they would begin offering MRI services at ESH once a week.
Money in the bank
Commissioners discussed various strategies for getting the most out of the $2,355,500 they had at the end of October. Treasurer Bob Walling said he expects they will receive another $30,000 by the end of the year. He provided a rundown of where their accounts are and interest being accrued. The commission eventually decided to wait until their Feb. 20 meeting to decide how best to invest their funds.
Meeting schedule
Commissioners decided on the following meeting dates for 2017: Feb. 20, April 17, July 17 and October 16. All meetings will be on Monday at 1 p.m. at ECHO Clinic.
Next meeting will be Monday, February 20, at 1 p.m.