Barnwell County Hospital and Bamberg (S.C.) County Hospital have entered an agreement that would merge the two hospitals into a regional health system. Meanwhile, an affiliate Dobbs Equity Partners will acquire both hospitals. The two hospitals are currently undergoing Chapter 9 bankruptcy proceedings to reorganize debt.
Last year alone, Barnwell County Hospital lost approximately $900,000, and hospital officials said closing the Wagener clinic can help make up for that loss because it is located the furthest away, according to the report. Its closure means patients will have to drive approximately 30 minutes to receive care at the hospital’s other two clinics.
Community members are petitioning the clinic’s closure. Hospital officials hope to work with the mayor on providing transportation to the clinics.
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