The Hospital Commission met Monday evening, and commissioners heard good news regarding Covid. Hospital CEO Angie Shaw said no positive Covid tests have been taken since Feb. 23, although people are still being tested. She said the hospital has a new supply of vaccine, and vaccination clinics will be scheduled.
With the drop in active cases, mask guidelines have changed, and masks are no longer required in office areas. Masks are still mandated in patient areas. Self-screening for Covid symptoms has worked well, and that process has taken pressure off the staff members who previously had to screen employees arriving for work.
The patient census has been low since the start of April, but other hospitals in the area have seen similar declines. The reduced patient load has allowed for additional training and repairs. The hospital lacks one respiratory therapist, but housekeeping and dietary are fully staffed, Shaw said. She described new flooring and other upgrades in the cafeteria, and said patient areas are in line now for some attention.
The hospital had a table at Washington Regional Clinic when a tour of doctors in training visited the area on April 1. “We were able to meet with them and talk about our hospital and our community,” Shaw said. Hospital Week is coming May 8-14, and a prescription drug take-back is scheduled for April 30 at the Eureka Springs Community Center.
In other business:
- Commissioner Kent Turner said he is still looking for a private firm to conduct an audit. He described the difficulties involved and mentioned another nonprofit needing four months to locate a suitable auditor.
- Commissioners approved some changes to the bylaws. They had received a draft of those changes in advance.
Chair Barbara Dicks closed the meeting on an optimistic note. “The hospital is running wonderfully,” she said. “We’ve got a great team up there.”