Putnam resigns as hospital CEO

The Mercer County Hospital Governing Board accepted, with regret the resignation of CEO Tim Putnam at a special board meeting Nov. 2, 2008. Putnam's last day will be Jan. 16, 2009.

Putnam stated, "It has been an honor to serve Mercer County Hospital for the last five years. During that time I have been blessed to work with many people that are deeply committed to the care for the people of Mercer County."

Putnam is assuming a new position at Margaret Mary Community Hospital in Batesville, Indiana.

Under his leadership at Mercer County Hospital the hospital has

* Experienced a successful turnaround in the financials - losses from 1997-2002 totaled more than $2 million; profit from 2003-2008 totaled more than $1.4 million.

* Expanded relationships with key organizations - Illinois Hospital Association, ICAHN, ANA, Center for Healthcare Governance.

* Made advancements in the Radiology Department - MRI, PET, Nuclear Medicine.

* Added new physicians and specialties - geriatrics, women's health, internal medicine, surgery, psychiatry/telepsych, podiatry.

* Added specialty programs/clinics - diabetes clinic, fall prevention clinic, Memory Clinic, Agricultural Occupational health program.

* Upgraded the IT system.

* Identified upgrades needed for hospital renovation plan.

* Addition of educational opportunities for Medical Staff and employees through SIU and IHA.

* Conducted a successful $1 milion capital campaign for the upcoming renovation of the hospital.