The Rocky Mount, N.C.-based Nash UNC Health Care board of commissioners removed Larry Chewning from his position as president and CEO, the Rocky Mount Telegram reports.
Here are six things to know about the decision.
1. The board allegedly made the decision to remove Mr. Chewning July 6. On July 11, Mr. Chewning made an announcement that he is retiring from the organization.
2. Nash Health Care Systems Board of Commissioners Chairman James Lilley told the Rocky Mount Telegram officials plan to "have a full blown search with UNC's help … and are taking steps forward" to hire Mr. Chewning's replacement.
3. Mr. Lilley did not comment on why the board asked Mr. Chewning to step down, according to the report.
"It is with mixed emotions that I accept Larry's retirement announcement," Mr. Lilley said in a press release issued July 11. "Larry has led the Nash Health Care System through a time of unprecedented change in the world of healthcare with vision, dedication and energy. I am saddened that our hospital system is losing a valued leader and friend, but pleased that Larry has the desirable opportunity to spend more time with family and pursue long neglected passions."
4. County commissioners raised concerns about the hospital's performance in April after it was one of three facilities in the state to receive a "D" grade in spring 2017 from the Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit entity that scores hospitals on their overall patient safety performance. The health system scored below average in 15 categories, including safety training, handwashing and medication errors, according to a CBS North Carolina report. The hospital previously received "C" ratings in 2014, 2015 and 2016.
5. Under Mr. Chewning's leadership, the hospital joined with Chapel Hill, N.C.-based UNC Health Care in 2014 and added several facilities, including an emergency department and heart and cancer centers. However, the Rocky Mount Telegram reports the hospital also lost "millions of dollars — $10 million in just nine months late last year and earlier this year — over the past decade." In March, officials also announced their intent to close the hospital's pediatric wing.
6. Mr. Chewning served as the health system's president and CEO since 2007. Prior to his work at Nash UNC Health Care, he served as CEO of Clinton, N.C.-based Sampson Regional Medical Center.
Editor's note: This article was updated July 11 to include additional patient safety and financial information and a statement from hospital.