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BRMC Announces New Management for Wellness Center Bluefield Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce that a group of Bluefield Regional Wellness Center members will assume the operation and management of the Wellness Center. "The group is made up of enthusiastic community leaders who are long-term, active members of the Bluefield Regional Wellness Center who presented a proposal with a positive 'can-do' attitude," stated BRMC president Eugene Pawlowski. "BRMC explored several alternatives since the decision was made to cease any further subsidies to the center," added Pawlowski. The new group, who were very adamant that the facility remain open in the downtown area, will rename the center, which will be operated by the new group as a non-profit corporation. Bluefield Regional Medical Center has provided wellness to the community through Bluefield Regional Wellness Center in downtown Bluefield since 1986. Through the Wellness Center, the hospital has provided many services including, preventive screenings, the road race for 20 years, and much more. The Wellness Center has always been financially subsidized by BRMC. As a result of the 1997 Federal Balanced Budget Act, (a five-year plan to assist with balancing the national budget that drastically cuts reimbursements to hospitals for services provided to patients), BRMC is experiencing substantial losses. Therefore, a decision was made by BRMC's board of directors and management to cease this subsidy. "Bluefield Regional Medical Center has been proud to provide wellness programs over the years and we want the area to continue to have excellent exercise facilities. We are pleased that this Wellness Center member group has come forward to operate this facility in downtown Bluefield," added Pawlowski. |