Don Smithburg has been tasked to help guide Geary Community Hospital through what he termed a “precious situation.” Smithburg has been named the new interim chief executive for the hospital.

Smithburg told a Hospital Trustees meeting audience that Geary Community Hospital is at the end of the beginning, and it will take rigor and discipline to bring the hospital back to stability. GCH has been facing major financial challenges.

Smithburg works with Community Hospital Corporation, that specializes in hospital management and distressed hospital situations. “I’ve been a hospital executive and CEO for over 30 years. When Geary reached out looking for support that’s how I made my way here.”

Smithburg has most recently been living in Tennessee but is returning to Kansas. He said the recovery at Gedary Community has already begun. “This board ( Hospital Board ) really took the bull by the horns as soon as it was clear that there were some issues that had to be dealt with operationally. ” He added that none of it has to do with the great quality of care at GCH, which is still strong. “But we have to address changing reimbursement from government and try to improve our processes internally.

Smithburg moved into the interim CEO role following the recent resignations of former CEO Dr. Joe Stratton and former Chief financial Officer Steve Doherty.