Hospital commissioner Dr. John House said Monday he had studied the four options for remodeling ESH and was surprised to find the cheapest option ranked highest for him. He said Option D at around $13 million seemed like the easiest to implement, would cause the fewest disruptions, and would add 54 parking spaces. Also, Option D could pave the way for future expansions.
He disagreed that any design should include so many geriatric psych beds on site as Allegiance had requested. He said he makes maybe four referrals per year for geriatric psych patients, so ESH certainly does not a dedicated 10-bed space.
His problem with the other options was mainly the cost above $20 million, and he insisted whatever option they choose must expand in-patient services at the expense of the in-patient geriatric beds.
ESH Community Liaison Catherine Pappas said ESH had moved its geriatric out-patient service Inspirations to Holiday Island next to the clinic of Dr. Paul Daidone, and added that there is a facility in Harrison for geriatric psych patients which has plenty space.
Property expansion deal presented
Daniel and Marsha Runge, owners of Log Cabin Inn, told commissioners they were willing to sell their property to the commission for $250,000. Runge said two other parcels were between his property and the ESH property, but he had spoken to both owners and they were willing to sell the back halves of their properties, which would provide a connector to Runge’s land which would mean ESH would own property all the way over to Benton Street. Regarding getting the land from the other owners, Runge insisted, “I can put this deal together.”
Commissioners were interested, but Dicks stated the hospital negotiations come first.
Next meeting will be Monday, Sept. 17, at 12:30 p.m., at ECHO Clinic.