By Charlotte Smith
Spencer Cummings has been appointed as the new President of Bladen County Hospital, as announced by Cape Fear Valley Health. Bringing over three decades of experience in healthcare, Cummings most recently served as the Vice President of Surgical Services.
Originating from Clarksdale, Mississippi, known as the “Blues Capital” of the world, Cummings is a proud alumnus of the University of Mississippi. He and his wife, whom he met in college, are parents to two daughters, both serving their communities as Intensive Care Nurses.
Cummings’ mission at Bladen County Hospital is to continue the work to advance the available healthcare services and increase care access. “My focus is on servant leadership. It’s about serving the community,” he stated.
His strategy includes engaging with local schools and colleges to recruit talent, offer internships, and provide scholarships. “Utilizing community resources is key to success,” Cummings emphasized.
A notable development is the construction of a new Cape Fear Valley Medical Office Building in the Elizabethtown Industrial Park, featuring both Primary Care and Express Care facilities. While the Express Care department has secured a provider, the search continues for a Primary Care provider.
Cummings outlined his priorities, including continuing to offer quality care services and increasing resources. “We’ve added certified physicians to our emergency department,” he noted.
Another objective is to forge stronger community connections, exemplified by his planned involvement with the Bladen County Healthy Collaborative and discussions with Charles Ray Peterson, Chair of the Bladen County Board of Commissioners.
Additionally, Cummings aims to provide a permanent MRI service five days a week, a significant upgrade from the current mobile unit available twice weekly. Ongoing renovations to the hospital’s facilities are also on his agenda. He reported the emergency department has already received upgrades, and now work is being conducted on renovating the surgical department.
Addressing public health challenges, Cummings assured readiness for potential health outbreaks like COVID-19 or RSV, with immediate measures like mask-wearing, promoting good hygiene and handwashing, revised visitation protocols, and long-term plans for enhancing resources.
Bladen County welcomes Mr. Spencer Cummings and invites the community to contact him regarding hospital healthcare inquiries or concerns.
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