Changes in the healthcare landscape have created a challenge for rural hospitals across New Mexico, and throughout the country. The challenges include the growing shift from inpatient care to outpatient care coupled with reduced payment reimbursements currently adopted and proposed by Medicare, Medicaid and the State Sole subsidy funds. These challenges are then compounded by the increased numbers of uninsured and underinsured patients in our region.

"GRMC's goal is to deal with these fiscal realities without compromising our commitment to quality care and community need," said Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC) Chief Executive Officer Brian Cunningham. "After much effort and analysis of the financial impact on our organization, the need to discontinue Home Care and Hospice has become apparent."

With the new leadership team in place since August 2013, GRMC has made vast improvements to its operations taking the organization from a $9 million dollar loss to an approximate $2 million dollar loss in nine months.

"Although our caregivers have done a great job to be more efficient and effective, we believe these steps are necessary," stated Cunningham. "These are not easy changes to make. These transitions will help us continue to serve our community, providing quality care for generations to come."

Given there is access to these Home Health and Hospice services in the area, the GRMC leadership team is working closely with area providers to transition patients and staff to another agency for uninterrupted care.

"We realize that change is sometimes difficult but necessary. Gila Regional has a distinguished 13-year history. We will continue to place our emphasis on ensuring the highest standard of patient safety and providing the best and most compassionate patient care," Cunningham stated.