Nicky Boyette – The Hospital Commission learned at its Jan. 18 meeting the new Eureka Springs Hospital clinic in the Eastgate Center on US 62 was settling in well. Chris Bariola, CEO of ESH, said that Dr. Christopher Baranyk had set up a family practice at the clinic as an adjunct to ESH. Catherine Pappas, community liaison for ESH, said the clinic was seeing an average of eight-to-ten patients per day, proving this was a much-needed service.
Commissioner Anna Ahlman announced retirement from the commission.
In February, the commission decided it would begin meeting quarterly after the March 21 meeting. Also at that meeting, Chair Michael Merry stated they had waited too long to see movement from Allegiance, the company leasing operation of Eureka Springs Hospital, toward construction of a new hospital.
At the March 21 meeting, Vicki Andert, Chief of Nursing, announced Bariola was resigning as CEO in early April. Peter Savoy from Mamou, La., was subsequently hired to replace him.
At the June meeting, Merry announced commissioners Pam Crockett and Jack Pritchard were resigning. Barbara Dicks and Dr. John House were seated in their stead.
During autumn, ESH bought new digital X-ray equipment and a 32-slice CT scanner. Director of Radiology Amy Brandt commented their images were as good as a patient could get anywhere in the area. ESH also began offering MRI services once a week.
Commissioners spent much time discussing the best strategies for managing their funds, which at the end of October totaled $2,355,500. Commissioner Robert Walling expected the total to increase by $30,000 by year’s end.
Commissioners have been operating with the understanding their funds can be used only for the health care needs of citizens of Eureka Springs. They have said funds would be ready in case the management company left ESH employees in a lurch and the commission would have to meet the payroll until a new management company is on board. When Merry presented the commission’s year-end report to city council, Alderman Kristi Kendrick told Merry she intended to see for herself what state law stipulates regarding Hospital Commission funds.