ORANGEBURG, SC (AP) – A hospital serving part of rural South Carolina said it lost more than $ 8 million last fiscal year, largely because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg said the loss from July 2019 to June 2020 should be covered by COVID-19 aid that is expected to be distributed in the coming years, reported The Times and the Orangeburg Democrat.
The pandemic has damaged the finances of the hospital system, both through fewer visits to clinics and specialists, as patients were concerned about catching the virus, as well as extra costs to protect people and workers from infection and pay contract workers, the people said. authorities.
“The COVID pandemic has been a challenge for all hospitals in America and the RMC is no exception,” said interim CEO and President Kirk Wilson. “Fortunately, hospitals like the RMC have provided important relief to offset the impact of COVID-19 through the CARES Act of 2020.”
The hospital system’s revenue was about $ 217 million and its expenses were just under $ 240 million.
The nonprofit hospital system has offices in Orangeburg, Calhoun and Bamberg counties and is jointly owned by Orangeburg and Calhoun counties.