Praise for hospital

Letter to the Editor: I have been a Eureka Springs Hospital commissioner for the last several months. When meeting people in the community many have talked about a past experience that was not always positive. I have read many articles about the problems with care and staff. My response has been that things have changed for the better. The great clinical staff is highly qualified and experienced. The current administration has been working hard to turn things around, and I tell them that I would not hesitate to seek care at the hospital; in fact, it would be my first choice in an emergency.

A few weeks ago a family member was visiting and had an accident that needed emergency care. I was in Rogers at the time and told my husband to take him directly to Eureka Springs Hospital. By the time I got to the hospital, he was already being treated. When I got to the hospital Madison was at the emergency desk, training Jamie. They were kind, professional and knowledgeable. I was taken back to the emergency room, where my family member was being treated by Dr. Roberts. Also providing care was EMT Jake, who knew what to do and did it efficiently and expertly, and Ethan, a skillful nurse who knows how to connect with patients and family.

I worked as a nurse for many years before going into administrative positions. I worked with many talented and skilled physicians, and Dr. Jacob Roberts is among the top. He is talented, experienced, and I might even say gifted. When my family member went to his own PCP at a large medical center, she asked where he received his care, and was surprised he received such excellent care at a small rural hospital. I can’t say enough about the clinicians at Eureka Springs Hospital. While I was there Jodi Edmondson came through making rounds. She was kind, caring and genuinely concerned.

During this blessed season, I am grateful for Eureka Springs Hospital. The new dynamic and enthusiastic CEO, Tiffany Means, promised that the hospital will serve with kindness, compassion and excellence. I can assure you from both being a commissioner, and from firsthand experience that this promise is being kept.

With heartfelt gratitude,

— Vivian Smith Hospital commissioner