RMC approves $10.1 million budget

Annistons Regional Medical Center plans to spend $10.1 million during the next year for new equipment and facility improvements at the Anniston hospital.

During its Monday meeting, the RMC board approved the 2015 fiscal year spending plan, which includes money for new technology for employees and for 190 new hospital beds at the Anniston-based hospital.

Among the more expensive planned purchases include $1.4 million for a new human resources payroll attendance and scheduling system and $1.5 million for a new radiology imaging system.

The hospital will also spend $1.6 million on other various technologies, such as computers for employees and increased data storage capacity.

Officials said it will cost $425,000 to replace 190 beds at the hospital.  The hospital had already replaced 10 of its 14 intensive care unit beds and plans to replace the other four during the next two years.

The hospital has a total of 340 beds.

Other expenditures planned for 2015 include $700,000 to replace the hospital's outdated nurse call system and $850,000 for a new primary lab where samples are analyzed. The hospital will also spend $865,000 for construction work for internal construction, such as operating room suites and renovations of the main lobby and emergency room lobby.

Board and city representatives plan to meet in Birmingham today to mediate and possibly settle their legal disputes and avoid a lengthy court battle. Both parties decided Oct. 9 to use Birmingham attorney and former Alabama Supreme Court Judge Thomas Woodall as a neutral mediator. The decision comes after the city and the board agreed to try to settle their issues outside of court.