“Our goal is to increase the level of care.” Those words were spoken to city aldermen by the new hospital management team during a cooperative workshop last Thursday. Alliance Management, which took over Feb. 1, updated council on the current status of hospital operations and goals for the next 12 months.
Darrell Parke of Alliance recapped previous shortcomings of ESH, stating that simple blood work couldn’t be performed in-house, pricing of services was ambiguous, little to no ancillary services were offered, staffing levels were low, and the equipment, training, and supplies available to staff were insufficient.
However, with the transformation, Parke said, these issues are being addressed and in process of renewal.
Newly leased CT and radiology equipment will take approximately 10 days to install, and include a new ultrasound machine. The blood lab is being upgraded to where there will be no need to refer clients to another hospital.
Parke said that the emergency room doctors are now on staff 24/7, and the new website will clearly post prices of services for full transparency.
The hospital has hired a respiratory therapist, as well as secured Dr. John House to see patients. Paul Daidone, M.D., is an anticipated hire, as well as a podiatrist, ophthalmologist, and surgeons. “There is no reason why we shouldn’t be doing surgery,” Parke said.
Norris Street House alive and kicking
After spending more than $50,000 to update, commission meetings and management offices are now in the 25 Norris St. building, commissioner Barbara Dicks told aldermen. She said its long-term purpose will be to house the billing department.
Billing operations are currently contracted out, Parke said, but the plan is to come in-house in about 12 months. Having an easily accessible location for clients to privately discuss their bill face-to-face is another component of service the hospital is planning. “Compassion first,” he said describing higher levels of customer service.
When aldermen asked commissioners about their “wish list” beyond 12-months, Dicks said they still plan to add on to the south part of the hospital. Other goals are to install a new heating/cooling system, add more private rooms, freshen the interior, and construct a clear entrance to the hospital for less confusion to the public.
One long-term goal that has already been accomplished thanks to the volunteers at the Purple House Thrift Store is the purchase of an air-exchanger in preparation of epidemics such as the corona virus. The air-exchanger will make it possible for a hospital room to be sealed off with no worry of a threat of airborne contagions.
Parke said, as he has before, that he and hospital managers extend a warm welcome to community members to come and visit the facility. “We want to know what the public thinks,” he said. “We welcome the public, we are transparent in what we do, and our goal is to open-house-it to the people.”