The Eureka Springs Hospital Commission held a June 15 a regular meeting where all commissioners but Michael Merry were at least virtually present. Commissioner Peggy Duncan had resigned.
Co-managers Mark Stearns and Darrell Parke presented the first monthly activity report since their latest contract was signed, and a financial report was promised to be in the works. Parke said the hospital charge master is currently being audited and he hopes to have more information by next month.
He also said that managers have reached an agreement with Dr. Paul Daidone beginning June 15, and Dr. Nick Camp was also engaged to provide interventional pain clinic services beginning June 30.
Stearns stated the hospital sustained $72,000 worth of damages due to a lightning strike affecting a number of electronics and the HVAC systems. Parke said the hospital is seeing an influx of Covid-19 calls and will continue to operate with the same strict visiting and entry rules, and they are preparing relocation of the laboratory as it requires more space. The lab will include the new analyzer and hood workstation needed to quickly identify the coronavirus and other viruses, bacteria or pathogens.
ESH has a full-time candidate for the Med Tech position in the lab and is looking to fill two positions in dietary aide and one in accounts receivable. The commission’s bank balance is down to $1.6 million after supplementing operations during transition by $1.28 million. The hospital’s operation account balance is $2.56 million with an estimated $2.4 million in accounts receivable. Parke said he and Stearns will apply for more grants.
Commissioners warned to not micromanage
After receiving the report, Chair John House, MD, brought up the nascent contract with Alliance as it pertains to hospital employees. House said that the current contract states that commissioners shall not interfere with the manager’s performance, including the management of hospital staff.
House said that only in the event that commissioners and managers disagree, would commissioners have override authority with unanimous consent. House warned expressly against breach of this contract to the extent of violating U.S. Labor Laws.
“There has been some concern from some employees that some commissioners may have it out for a particular employee,” he said. “I wanted to be certain that every commissioner is aware that we have no place in discussing who gets hired, who gets fired, any kind of disciplinary action, we have no access to their personnel records, we don’t even know what they make – it’s not our business.”
House said it is the commission’s job to work with the managers and let them do their job in the hospital. “If anyone feels like that is unacceptable then I would happy to accept your resignation.” He warned commissioners against micromanaging saying, “We will end up getting sued if we take actions that are not consistent with Labor Law.”
The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 20 at 6 p.m. at 25 Norris St.