
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, June 21, 1990                   TAG: 9006210092
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-2   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: WYTHEVILLE                                LENGTH: Short

MERIT OF WYTHE HOSPITAL MERGER QUESTIONED

A member of the Wythe County Board of Supervisors has suggested that Wythe County Community Hospital consider joining nearby hospitals in other counties rather than affiliating with the Carilion Health System of Roanoke.

Supervisor Andy Kegley said a lot of unanswered questions exist on what effect affiliation with Carilion would have on the Wytheville hospital. He said the hospital might consider the feasibility of pursuing a regional medical organization including Smyth County, Pulaski County and Twin County (Carroll and Grayson counties and the city of Galax) community hospitals.

Carilion has managed the Wytheville hospital for the last 12 years, and hospital officials say the facility has been losing money recently. Kegley questioned whether full affiliation with Carilion would help that situation if the money is being lost under Carilion's management.

He suggested a public information forum at which hospital officials could answer questions from county citizens on the affiliation now being studied.

- Southwest bureau

by CNB