Persistent financial troubles have forced the Regional Medical Center of Central Alabama (RMCCA) in Greenville to downsize its operations by reducing staff and services.
On Thursday, the Center announced in a press release that it had applied to the State Health Planning and Development Agency to convert into a rural emergency hospital. The plan includes reducing the hospital staff by 90 employees across various departments, with a focus solely on outpatient and emergency services.
"As rural hospitals across the country face unprecedented financial challenges, RMCCA is taking this proactive step to preserve a needed presence in our community, and maintaining essential healthcare services for our region is paramount," said RMCCA CEO Patrick Trammell. "The decision to pursue Rural Emergency Hospital status and end inpatient services was not made lightly, but it is necessary and reflects our commitment to adapt and sustain essential services for the people who depend on us."
Trammell said RMCCA hopes to connect its former employees with job opportunities at other healthcare facilities.
"While we are deeply grateful for the dedication and service of our team members, I am sorry to say that a reduction in our workforce is necessary in this transition," Trammell said. "We are working closely with healthcare partners — including Baptist Health Montgomery — to help connect displaced employees with potential opportunities where possible. Moving forward, our focus will be supporting our employees and delivering high-quality care for our patients."
The transition to the rural emergency hospital is expected to be completed in early 2026. Until then, current patients are advised to continue seeking services at RMCCA as usual.
Greenville's new mayor, Jae'ques Brown, stated on Facebook Thursday to address community concerns about the hospital. He emphasized that it would not be closing and expressed sympathy for the employees who lost their jobs. He also stated that the financial strain RMCCA has experienced is a statewide issue.
"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," Brown said in a statement.
"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."
The City of Greenville enacted a half-cent tax increase in 2017 to help fund the $2.5 million purchase of RMCCA, formerly known as L. V. Stabler Memorial Hospital. Former Mayor Dexter McClendon, who lost reelection after 25 years in office, announced in May that the hospital was struggling to meet its operational costs.
According to a financial audit for fiscal years 2023 and 2024, the Health Care Authority of the City of Greenville "reported an operating loss of $993,963 and $6,554,527 in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Authority had a net position of $3,252,005 and $3,041,082 as of September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively."
"[T]he Authority has suffered recurring losses from operations and cash flow management difficulties. These issues indicate that substantial doubt exists about the Authority's ability to continue as a going concern," the report stated.
The news of the hospital downsizing comes weeks after a controversial decision by the city council to add another 1-cent tax increase — said to be temporary — to bring a new Chick-fil-a restaurant to the area.
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