BAMBERG -- Bamberg County Hospital and Nursing Center, in a move to improve its financial position, will reduce its current full-time staff of 260 employees by 15 percent, resulting in a 10 percent reduction in salary and benefit expenses, according to a statement issued Thursday afternoon by the facility's Board of Trustees.

"As we continue to move our organization forward to meet the needs of our community, we must align resources with current business," the news release stated. "In this changing healthcare climate, Bamberg County Hospital and Nursing Center must rightsize to be able to serve the people of Bamberg County and offer these essential healthcare functions. With the hospital facing financial challenges, rightsizing the hospital is paramount to stabilizing its situation and positioning it for growth down the road."

According to the release, along with the staffing adjustments, the hospital will reorganize its management staff to include consolidation of departments and further salary alignment throughout the organization. Other measures enacted include reduction in supply and utility costs as well as bad debt management and other direct expense reduction, the release stated.

"All present services will remain in place including the 24-hour emergency room, surgery and obstetrical services. The nursing center also experienced changes recently in leadership with Teresa Vallentine joining the organization as the interim nursing center Administrator and Sandy Elliott as the director of nursing," according to the statement.

"The restructuring process was necessary for the advancement toward the hospital's financial operating targets," said Kurt Meyer, BCH administrator.

Board Chairman Randy Maxwell has said the changes will make the organization more effective and will not have an impact on the quality of patient care.

"In fact, this will better position Bamberg County Hospital to serve and deliver healthcare to the community," Maxwell said.

Bamberg County Hospital and Nursing Center includes a 59-bed hospital and an 88-bed nursing center and a medical staff of 27 active and consulting physicians. Bamberg County Hospital and Nursing Center is one of the largest employers in the county.

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