Regional Medical Center of Central Alabama (RMCCA) in Greenville has announced plans to discontinue inpatient services and lay off roughly 90 employees as part of a major restructuring effort. The hospital’s board unanimously approved transitioning to a rural emergency hospital (REH) — a federal designation meant to help rural facilities stay open by focusing on emergency, outpatient, and limited on-site services rather than traditional inpatient care.
According to RMCCA, the shift is driven by ongoing financial challenges that many rural hospitals are facing nationwide. CEO Patrick Trammell noted that while the decision was difficult, it is intended to preserve essential healthcare access for the community and ensure long-term sustainability. The hospital has already begun the steps required to meet REH guidelines, with its state application submitted on Nov. 13.
This change may affect local referral patterns, access to inpatient beds, and availability of certain services for patients in the region.
Resource: Alabama hospital to end inpatient services, lay off 90