2006 Hospital Appointments

As we begin 2006, our county commissioners once again have the task of appointing or re-appointing board members to Floyd Memorial Hospital and Health Services. They meet tonight to make these decisions at their regular meeting.

This year, Kay Garry and Dr. Daniel Eichenber are up for re-appointment. They have each served one term and the majority of board members usually serve two consecutive terms. The commissioners could choose to re-appoint one or both of them or replace them both.

The hospital is embarking on the opening of the new Heart Center in January as well as considering options for combatting the ongoing threat of competition. The hospital has its senior management approaching retirement and needs to seriously consider how such a transition will take place. All of these are difficult issues that require a knowledge of the current situation. This cannot be obtained except by experience.

It takes months for board members to feel comfortable with the tremendous amount of information given to them and for them to make informed decisions that are in the best interest of the hospital and community.

This is the time when the commissioners can choose who is best for these positions and not making choices because of politics.

Any decision other than re-appointment of these two individuals would have to seriously be questioned as to motive.