Under new owner, new name is Oconee Memorial Hospital

Oconee Medical Center officially today became part of the Greenville Health System. The hospital in Seneca was renamed Oconee Memorial Hospital and its top two management officials got new titles and, for one, new responsibilities. A celebration took place on the grounds of what’s now called the Oconee Medical Campus, with Oconee workers standing behind the speakers and GHS officials and workers in front. Jeanne Ward sees her title change from president/CEO to regional president—a position in which she’ll add work responsibilities in Pickens County. Hunter Kome’s title changes from vice president for operations to president of the Oconee Medical Campus. Both Ward and Mike Riordan, president/CEO of GHS, exchanged complimentary remarks on how this union is the right thing for all parties. “Throughout this process, the Oconee team—from the staff to the board of directors—has shown a tremendous commitment to doing what’s best for their patients and the community,” said Riordan. Making remarks also were the new GHS board chairman, Jim Morton, and the immediate past chairman, Billy Webster. On 96.3/WGOG NEWS, Webster responds to the question of how GHS is going to absorb Oconee’s approximate $80 million debt. GHS will operate the former OMC under a lease of 50 years, with the potential for two additional 25-year lease periods. As to how it’s to play out, Riordan said Oconee will continue the kinds of care it has provided for 75 years, with GHS employees acting as a support staff.