December 13, 2024 |
Photo – Bigfoot file photo
Memorial Hospital of Carbon County announced a sudden change in leadership this week. Negative social media reactions soon followed.
On Wednesday, December 11th, Memorial Hospital Chief Operating Officer Stephanie Hinkle announced that Erick Twyman had “separated” from the organization the previous day. Twyman was recently hired to serve as both Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
Speaking to Bigfoot99, Hinkle said hospital administrators and the Board of Trustees discovered a discrepancy in Twyman’s background that resulted in him being fired from the organization.
Regarding the matter as a sensitive, personnel issue, Hinkle was unable to elaborate further on Twyman’s departure, save that the board and administration both supported the decision.
Twyman held the role of CEO/CFO for barely a week, having joined Memorial Hospital on December 2nd.
Following his departure, Hinkle said Interim CEO Gerald Parton will return to the position until a permanent replacement can be found.
Twyman was slated to act as both Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer for Memorial Hospital. Bigfoot99 asked if his replacement will be expected to assume the same dual role. Chief Operating Officer Hinkle explained that, rather than having another CEO/CFO hybrid, the hospital board is seeking two different candidates to fill the positions separately.
Social media rumors surfaced quickly, claiming that Twyman was fired after discovering financial mismanagement or fraud by the Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees. No evidence was offered. The allegation on social media prompted a response from the Interim CEO. Parton dismissed the claims, saying that all board meetings are open to the public. Hinkle, echoing Parton’s comments, said the public is given an opportunity to ask questions during the meetings.
Hinkle stressed that the Board of Trustees meetings are open to the public. If you can’t make the meetings in person, Hinkle suggested contacting the hospital to arrange a face-to-face discussion with administrators.
In her conversation with Bigfoot 99, Hinkle stated that yearly audits have not uncovered any evidence of fraud within the organization. The Chief Operating Officer said unsubstantiated rumors do not help Memorial Hospital fulfill its mission to provide quality medical care to residents of Carbon County.
Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees meetings are typically held on the fourth Thursday of every month, beginning at 10:00 a.m., in the hospital boardroom. Hinkle encouraged the public to call 324-8211 for more information about meetings or to set up an in-person discussion with hospital leadership.
