Just before the July 17 Hospital Commission meeting was to begin, commissioner Suzanne Tourtelot was called away from the meeting leaving only three commissioners and therefore no quorum. However, four representatives of Eureka Springs Hospital, four architects, two reporters and the assistant to the mayor were present, so chair Michael Merry suggested an informal visit instead of a meeting.
Peter Savoy, CEO of ESH, told the group Allegiance was the corporate partner who, with a group of physicians, formed Central Louisiana Hospital Group and purchased three Louisiana hospitals going through bankruptcy. All three were the only hospitals in their communities, and because of the purchase the towns retained their hospitals, employees kept their jobs and residents continued to have access to medical, surgical and emergency care. As a result, CLHG was named the 2016 United States Department of Agriculture Business of the Year.
Savoy said Allegiance now runs 12 hospitals, and is looking to procure four more in Louisiana toward its goal of having 25 within five years.
He also introduced Dr. Paul Daidone, the newest physician at ESH. Merry pointed out Daidone is the second new physician brought on board within the past two years.
Early baby steps for the ESH remodel project
Merry told the group he attended the Historic District Commission meeting on June 21 to introduce the possibility of a cooperative project between the Hospital Commission and Allegiance Health Management to either remodel existing ESH buildings or take them down and construct new ones. In response, the HDC toured ESH July 5 to get familiar with the facility. Since the property sits within the Historic District, HDC must approve alterations to building exteriors.
Merry said the HDC would need specifics such as concept drawings of what was intended before they could make decisions. He pointed out that the process depends on what Allegiance is willing to commit to, but Allegiance also needs more specifics.
Merry said he is working with Mayor Butch Berry’s office to send out Requests for Quotes to find an architect to prepare conceptual documents. Merry suggested they develop drawings of what could happen for $2 million, $4 million or $8 million, for example, so the commission and Allegiance can agree to go forward or not.
Commissioner Barbara Dicks commented she was a bit concerned whether Allegiance would continue to partner with them, but wanted to pursue the project and spend the money to get a plan. Commissioner MJ Sell said, “I want this to be a shining example of what a small town can do.”
Assistant to the mayor Kim Stryker said the RFQ process might take two months before the commission gets to the point of choosing an architect.
Savoy committed to asking Allegiance about putting up a surety bond.
Next meeting will be Monday, August 21, at 1 p.m., at ECHO Clinic.