‘The hospital bleeds cash’: South County Hospital forum attracts 300

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WLNE) — A forum on the future of South County Hospital drew over 300 people to South Kingstown High School, where they discussed the problems facing the hospital.

That includes, they say, the CEO.

According to “Save South County Hospital,” doctors, patients and residents spoke at that forum at South Kingstown High School Tuesday night, and they all agreed that CEO Aaron Robinson should be removed from his post.

They say, throughout months of demand, hospital officials have refused to collaborate with the group on changes to the hospital.

The group called Robinson’s salary of nearly $1 million “Excessive…as the hospital bleeds cash.”

In a statement, a representative of South County Health said in part:

We are extremely sensitive to the community’s concerns regarding our beloved community Hospital. While we continue to listen to those concerns, we assert that the claims made by this group are intentionally misleading. This group’s actions are causing harm to the very institution, staff, and patients they claim to protect. For the benefit of the community, we call on them to stop.

The South County Health Board of Trustees has made every effort to engage this group by providing ample opportunities for respectful dialogue. We have attentively listened to their concerns, conducted thorough investigations, and collected both qualitative and quantitative data, including input from local healthcare providers who are active in the community and poised to continue practicing for many years to come. The review process that the group requested has now concluded, and no new or relevant findings have emerged.