Eric Walker: City Will Need To Keep Eyes On Hospital Finances Moving Into The Next Quarter

Cookeville Council Member Eric Walker says the city will need to keep an eye on CRMC’s financials going into the next quarter as well as the rest of the year before next budget season.

However, he said he does not have drastic concerns about Cookeville Regional Medical Center’s recent upper management position eliminations. The six positions include four administrative directors, a hospital director, and the hospital’s Chief Strategy Officer.

Walker has been vocal previously about the hospital needing to be run like a business, while also keeping patient care in mind. He said when it comes to revenues and profits, the hospital and its board are going to do what they think is best to maintain profitability.

“I think that just says that revenues are down,” Walker said. “And I guess when they project the revenues and expenses in the budget, if you have a loss of revenues then the CEO would have to take matters to lower expenses the best they can.”

Walker said from the city’s standpoint, he’s not alarmed at this point. He said this is something the city will need to concern itself with and understand the financial position of the hospital.

Walker said he does not have any drastic concerns about Cookeville Regional Medical Center’s recent position elimintations.

“I hope the hospital focuses on its care, and care of patients that’s what they do best,” Walker said.