On Thursday, July 2, Eureka Springs Hospital welcomed Dr. Paul Daidone as its new hospitalist. Staff gathered with Alliance Management members Darrell Parke and Mark Stearns, and commissioner Barbara Dicks, to celebrate the return of a core physician to the community’s critical care facility.
Staff discussed the significance of Daidone’s return to the hospital after he left in 2019 when the hospital was under the previous management of Allegiance. Daidone described Allegiance’s management of the Eureka Hospital as, “The worst I’ve ever seen in twenty-five years,” referring to low employee morale and reduced services.
Daidone said his leaving the hospital was never because of the people of the hospital and provided a clear distinction saying, “The problem was Alliegance.”
He said he accepted this position because he is hopeful of Alliance’s management abilities and is encouraged by the overhaul of radiology and laboratory equipment brought about by the cooperation of Alliance and the commission.
Describing the renewed infrastructure of high-tech hospital services Daidone said, “There’s actually real things happening.”
Each day since commissioners decided to hire Alliance, Parke and Stearns have been working to remedy the damage done by the previous management company. Parke said the new agreement with Daidone marks another milestone in rebuilding integrity and commitment to hospital staff and the community.
Daidone will work about 40 hours per month at ESH and also remain on staff at Washington Regional Eureka Springs Family Clinic. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and working to complete his sub-specialty certification in addictionology. Daidone intends to utilize his certification in addiction medicine during the post-rehabilitation recovery process.