Hospital officials react to Phillips’ ouster

Greenville Health System officials are coming to the defense of the Oconeean who lost his seat on the policy-making board for the health care system.  In a statement, GHS chairwoman Lisa Stevens said, “Because of self-serving political agendas by a few members of the Greenville (state legislative) delegation, which include bringing flawed lawsuits and continual requests for inappropriate investigations, the resulting action is nothing shy of a blatant disregard for the best interest of the Oconee community.  Like Stevens, OMH Medical Campus President Hunter Home defends Phillips:  “Rick Phillips is just the sort of board member we need in healthcare.  During his time as chairman of the board of what was then Oconee Medical Center, he led us through some of the most challenging times we’ve ever faced.  His leadership made a huge difference for our organization and our community.  We have a long-term lease with GHS that includes a provision that added two representatives from the OMH service area to the GHS Board.  One of those seats is reserved for an individual from Oconee County.  We will be looking to folks who make these decisions to fulfill that obligation in a timely manner,” Kome said in a statement.