Greenville mayor releases statement on hospital restructuring, layoffs
Greenville Mayor Jae’Ques Brown has released a statement on the restructuring of Regional Medical Center of Central Alabama, which includes layoffs and the elimination of inpatient services.
Mayor Brown released this statement:
“Over the last several hours, many of you have either called or texted me with concerns regarding the announcement from the Regional Medical Center of Central Alabama. I am making this post to reiterate clearly and directly: (our hospital is not closing). The hospital is beginning the process of transitioning into a Rural Emergency Hospital (REH), which means it will focus on outpatient and emergency services only.
“Rural county hospitals across the entire state of Alabama have been suffering for years due to financial strain, staffing shortages, and declining inpatient utilization. This is not just a Greenville issue, this is a statewide rural healthcare crisis. The decision to move toward an REH model is one that I am sure did not come easy for the Board of Directors, but it is a step they felt necessary to ensure that our healthcare system in Greenville remains open, accessible, and sustainable for our county and surrounding region.
“I also want to acknowledge the uncertainty and concern being felt by hospital employees during this transition. While I am not in the position to speak on personnel decisions and cannot comment on any specifics, I truly sympathize with every individual who may be affected as the hospital restructures. Transitions like this are difficult, and my thoughts are with each family impacted.
“I want to make it clear that I (do not) serve on the hospital’s board of directors, nor do I have any direct impact in decisions. This transition has been under review long before I became mayor; however, I am committed to communicating the accurate information they provide me so that our community remains fully informed.
“I also encourage everyone to read up on other hospitals that have transitioned to the Rural Emergency Hospital model. Many of them have found financial stability, expanded outpatient services, and strengthened their long-term presence in their communities through this structure.
“Our hospital is realigning (not closing) and this strategic move is intended to keep high-quality emergency and outpatient care right here at home. As the Mayor, I will continue to stay informed and share updates as they become available.”
