It seems the Russell County Hospital continues in a familiar circle and the spin just keeps on and on.

This past week the administrator was dismissed without any public notice to the board of directors or the public. Without this notice the management firm, Alliant Management, dismissed the administrator and named an interim.

A reason for his dismissal has not been stated. While a serious issue, that is not our main concern. Our concern centers around the fact our hospital appears embedded in the same undesirable path; less than a desirable financial position and the apparent lack of proper leadership.

Alliant was previously employed several years ago and leadership was a problem then also. In fact, at the time their contract was not renewed then as now, one of their own had taken over as interim administrator.

Russell County likely holds the record of firing and hiring hospital administrators. To the best of our knowledge, our hospital has had some fourteen or fifteen administrators and interim administrator in its 27 year history. We had one administrator that was dismissed two or three times before finally being replaced.

Our hospital has been blessed with health care providers taking care of the health care needs of our community.  But, leadership has left the hospital embedded in debt and with very few signs of visible improvements.

It appears the main concern of operating our hospital has been centered around the issue of who runs the hospital versus the  issue of how the hospital is operated.

It may be time for our fiscal court to take a serious look at this concern.

Our hospital is a vital part of our community. Not only in providing health care but as an employer.

We cannot keep from believing the great majority of tax payers are more concerned about having quality health care coverage rather than the issue of who provides leadership for that health care.

Let us hear your concerns and issues concerning our hospital.