Mizell Memorial Hospital is exploring a number of options to secure its financial future and wouldn’t rule out a merger, CEO Jana Wyatt said Thursday.

“We are looking at several opportunities to help secure our financial future and that includes grants and partnerships with other health care organizations,” she said.

The hospital recently implemented a reduced work week for a three-month period beginning this month, and a 10 percent pay reduction for salaried employees. The strategy corresponds to a typical drop in patient volume during the summer months.

Last week, Wyatt issued a press release addressing the moves, in which she stated the hospital has every intention of remaining a strong lifeline in the Covington County area by continuing to provide exceptional care to all patients.

“We are now more than ever committed to meeting the health care needs of our community,” she said. “Recent reductions in staff and other salary related cost-saving strategies have sparked rumors that the hospital is closing. Be assured that these measures were not proposed because of the hospital preparing to close but to insure the facility’s wellbeing in tough economic times.”

“Community members can help the hospital by utilizing our services when needed and at all possible,” Wyatt said. “We recognize that all health care services can not be obtained locally but many can.

“Mizell Memorial Hospital has served this community for over 60 years,” she said. “With your help, we will continue to deliver, ‘Quality Care with Hometown Compassion’ for many years to come.”