Statement issued by Mercy Hospital Fort Scott

Mercy Hospital Fort Scott officials issued the following press release Thursday:

Today's health care environment is changing rapidly, and hospitals in rural areas are especially challenged by utilization trends, payment reductions from insurers and government payers, and rising operational costs. In response to these factors, Mercy in Fort Scott continues to evaluate opportunities to improve how we operate and reduce expenses while preserving quality, safety and service.

Our goal is to be the provider of choice for the services our patients and community members want and use most. This requires prioritizing our strategies and services so that we can remain relevant and sustain our health care mission for future generations.

We will make every effort to manage expenses and reduce costs through improving how we operate, before we reduce positions. Unfortunately, in today's environment we can never guarantee staff will not be impacted. It is currently undetermined the specific services, and number and types of positions that may be affected in the coming months. As final decisions are made, we will communicate first to our co-workers and then to patients and community members.

"There are still many details to be worked out and a final plan is not complete at this time," Reta Baker, Mercy Hospital Fort Scott president, said.