Lancaster, SC (October 23, 2009) – Tom R. McDougal Jr., FACHE, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Springs Memorial Hospital, has accepted a position with UAB Health System as the CEO of Medical West Hospital, an affiliated 300 bed medical center.  This move also allows McDougal to be closer to family in Alabama.  He has been with the hospital since January of 2008.

“Tom was certainly the right man at the right time to lead our hospital through unprecedented challenges in our local economy,” said John Story, M.D., Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees.  “He did an outstanding job elevating the level of care provided by the hospital and expertly managed it through some tough times.”

Under McDougal’s leadership, Springs Memorial experienced significant growth through the enhancement of services and addition of more than a dozen new physicians, many in highly sought-after specialties.  Perhaps his most resounding success was the reengineering of the Emergency Department to improve customer service and streamline the process, which resulted in patients typically seeing a physician within 30 minutes of arrival.

He also brought in new technology to the hospital, invested in the facility’s infrastructure and enhanced patient satisfaction. The hospital’s Core Measures performance improvement was exceptional during his tenure, scoring a perfect 100 percent in the most recent quarter. The hospital also completed a very successful Joint Commission survey and increased employee satisfaction throughout the facility under his leadership.

McDougal was also very active in the community and engaged the hospital in civic activities.  He served on the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Board and was on its Public Policy Committee.  In addition, he was actively involved in the Rotary Clubs of Lancaster and Indian Land. 

“Tom did a terrific job at Springs Memorial Hospital during his tenure at the facility,” said David L. Miller, President of Division I Operations for CHS.  “His acute business sense and steady, calm leadership style was especially helpful as the hospital weathered the recent economic situation.  We appreciate everything he has done for us and wish him the very best.”

“The managerial team at Springs Memorial Hospital is deep and talented, which will allow for an orderly transition in leadership,” added Miller.  He also indicated that the Board and Medical Staff have provided years of valuable direction to the hospital and will continue to do so as the institution builds on a generation of success serving Lancaster area residents.

“The decision to leave Springs Memorial and all the friends I have in Lancaster was very difficult,” said McDougal. “But I have a rare opportunity to be the CEO of a large facility in my hometown in Alabama and that’s very important to my family. The team of professionals at Springs Memorial is outstanding and I will enjoy watching their continued success from a distance knowing I was once a part of something great in Lancaster.  I have truly enjoyed my tenure here and am confident the hospital will continue to thrive and succeed.”