Hutcheson Medical Center Takes New Cost-Cutting Measures

  • Friday, August 28, 2015

Hutcheson Medical Center has announced new cost-cutting measures as it tries to stop ongoing losses.

A trustee has asked that the Fort Oglethorpe hospital's bankruptcy process be dissolved, saying it has accumulated over $5 million in debt during the 10 months it has been in bankruptcy.

The board of directors for Hutcheson Medical Center voted Wednesday evening to suspend the Women’s Center and Labor and Delivery Services effective Monday at 7 p.m. 

Hutcheson suspended labor and delivery services at the end of 2013 and then reopened on Dec.

15, 2014 "due to overwhelming demand from physicians and the community to once again provide maternity services." Hutcheson interviewed numerous providers prior to reopening the facility who committed to support Hutcheson. However, the projected numbers were not met.

“We value the profound role we have played for decades in ushering new life into our local community,” said Sandra Siniard, chief nursing officer of Hutcheson Medical Center.  “This is a necessary step that will provide cost-saving measures.”

Consistent with federal law, Hutcheson’s Emergency Department will provide emergency care to treat and stabilize mothers with pregnancy-related medical conditions, followed by ambulance transfer to a qualified hospital facility with OB services.  Area EMS providers will be notified of Hutcheson’s suspension of services.

The board also voted to suspend services at LaFayette Physcians Family Care effective Sept. 1.  Officials cite the suspension of services as a necessary part of a larger strategic plan to focus its resources on core services that are financially viable to return the hospital to profitability.

“Suspending these services is a difficult decision,” said Farrell Hayes, CEO of Hutcheson Medical Center.  “The decision was made with great care and concern for the communities we serve.  However, this is a necessary step forward to serve the greater population with the core services Hutcheson Medical Center provides at its main campus.”

Officials said, "Hutcheson Medical Center will continue to work with patients to provide a seamless transfer of services to Chickamauga Family Practice or to other physicians in the area.  Plans are also being evaluated to extend service hours at Chickamauga Family Practice to ensure the needs of the community are being met.  Hutcheson will continue to provide emergency care needs in its Emergency Department."

Breaking News
Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 3/19/2024

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report: AWOLOWO, APRIL 105 EUCLID STREET ATHENS, 373030000 Age at Arrest: 36 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff THEFT OVER $1000 BARNETT, ... more

Senator Colton Moore Challenger Hits "An Incumbent Bent On Self-Promotion Instead Of Humble Leadership"
  • 3/18/2024

Angela Pence, a Chickamauga resident who is making a race against 53rd District Senator Colton Moore, said she aims to bring principled, effective leadership "to a district that has gone unheard ... more

Wamp Pushing For Tighter Local Lobbying Rules, Tax Abatement Policies; Bigger Share Of Sales Tax
  • 3/18/2024

County Mayor Weston Wamp spoke to the Pachyderm Club on Monday about the significance of a state basketball title, the need for local lobbying regulations and tightening up on tax abatement policies. ... more