The Mississippi County Hospital System recently borrowed approximately $300,000 from Mississippi County to make the system's IGT transfer payment. The money is expected to be repaid by July 27.
County Judge Randy Carney had previously said the system would no longer be relying on the county for financial support or loans, but Carney commented on the re-appearance of this issue by saying that it wasn't what the county wanted, but the hospital system must be supported.
Financially, the system is experiencing a downturn because of the extended absences of several doctors and the retirement of others.
But even though recent months have shown a decline, the system is still in overall better shape than it has been in the past, according to a report by CFO Randy Nichols. At the end of June, the system had $1,823,317 in accounts payable, compared to $3,321,353 in June of 2011. The time it takes for the hospitals to pay their bills has also been significantly reduced, he said. GRMC has experienced a 44 percent increase in admissions because of the hospitalist program, but SMC in Osceola has had a decrease of 36 percent because of the retirement or vacation time taken by doctors.
GRMC is in need of a complete new roof, but CEO Ralph Beaty said the job, which is slated to cost around $290,000, will have to wait a few more months until the financial situation improves.
sharris@blythevillecourier.com