Springfield Hospital CEO resigns amid financial turmoil

Springfield Hospital's CEO is stepping down amid serious concerns about the organization's financial health.

Tim Ford resigned Wednesday morning following several media reports highlighting the hospital's unpaid bills and frustrated physicians.

The hospital released a statement Wednesday saying, "Like many rural health care organizations in Vermont and around the country, we are facing challenges created by a declining population, rising costs, below-cost reimbursements from payors, and an increase in the number of patients who are unable to pay for care."

Ford's resignation follows months of financial issues and complaints from employees. According to an August filing with Green Mountain Care Board, SMCS had projected a $2.5 million deficit for 2018.

CFO Scott Whittemore resigned last week. Chief of Practice Operations Josh Dufresne will serve as the primary administrator until an interim CEO is selected.