RMC plans further expantion

Officials at Annistons Regional Medical Center want to expand the hospital's reach, including a new specialty clinic in Oxford, and further invest in medical services during the new year.

For the last three years, the Anniston-based hospital has opened clinics across the region to generate more patient revenue and counter competition and the rising costs of health care. RMC officials say they plan to continue that trend this year with a new specialty clinic in Oxford. Meanwhile, the hospital will improve its services this year to further attract patients, they say.

RMC board chairman Greg Kernion and the hospital’s CEO, Louis Bass, spoke during and after a meeting of the Anniston Kiwanis Club Thursday.

Kernion said the hospital is trying this year to open a specialty clinic in Oxford. Currently, RMC has a general practitioner working in Oxford.

Kernion said the hospital's clinics have been key to helping it remain financially sound. In recent years, RMC has opened clinics in Roanoke, Piedmont and Talladega. RMC announced that the company would purchase the former Jacksonville Medical Center in December 2012.

Kernion said that during the last five years, the hospital has invested $44 million into the facility for capital improvements and 2015 is no different. He said the hospital is spending $10 million this year on various improvements, such as for the construction of a new cardiac catheterization lab dedicated to heart-related surgeries.

Bass said the hospital this year also wants to focus on physician recruitment and retainment and expand its marketing strategy.

Kernion also said "everything is fine" between the hospital board and the Anniston City Council since their recent legal dispute. Still, the board plans to meet with the council several times this year to strengthen its relationship with the city.