News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Clay County officials began preparing for the closure of Cumberland River Hospital Friday.
County Mayor Dale Reagan said the loss of the health care facility will have a substantial impact on his county.
“It’s devastating to us because when it comes to an economical standpoint, that’s one of our tools that we use a lot,” Reagan said. “Having a health facility goes a long ways when you are trying to recruit industry and encourage retirees to come into your community. It’s going to hurt.”
The Cumberland River Hospital Board of Trustees voted to close the facility Thursday after experiencing years of insufficient revenue and financial losses. More than 140 full-time and part-time employees will lose their positions when the hospital officially closes March 1st.
Reagan said he found out about the closure Friday morning and immediately began contacting state officials.
“We have contacted the state and department of labor. They are going to be doing everything they possibly can to assist the employees,” Reagan said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the employees, but also the patients they serve.”
With the hospital closing, residents of Clay County and Celina will now have to travel anywhere from 20 to 40 miles to reach a hospital facility.
Cookeville Regional Medical Center purchased the hospital in 2012 for about $6 million. Since that time, CRMC has invested approximately 12 million dollars into Cumberland River.
Reagan said he’s offering to assist the hospital as it begins a search for potential buyers.
