Hospital Commission doing financial planning

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Nicky Boyette – The Hospital Commission met June 20 for the first time since it decided to meet quarterly. Chair Michael Merry said he and treasurer Robert Walling have been trolling for the best interest rates for hospital reserves, as Merry explained that prospects of a new hospital seemed to have subsided for now, so the task of the commission will be to shepherd assets and prepare to support Eureka Springs Hospital if the need arises.

Commissioner MJ Sell asked ESH staff what estimated monthly operating expenses would be, and staff replied they would provide this information. Merry said the commission was just trying to plan ahead.

Vicki Andert, chief of nursing at ESH, announced Peter Savoy had begun as the new Chief Executive Officer at ESH. She said Savoy has valuable experience in hospital management that will serve ESH well. She also said ESH recently underwent annual inspection and the review was very good, overall.

Andert also introduced Dr. Chris Baranyk of the Eastgate Center family clinic, who then left to go tend to patients.

Merry announced commissioner Pam Crockett would be turning in her resignation letter the following day. Commissioner Jack Pritchard is also resigning, so there will be two vacancies on the commission.

Next meeting will be Monday, August 15, at ECHO Clinic.