Date: June 2, 2008

Statement from DHHS Secretary Dempsey Benton on Central Regional Hospital Transition

RALEIGH – The schedule for the transition of Dix and Umstead hospital patients and the staff to the new Central Regional Hospital has been adjusted.

Instead of moving patients from both hospitals during the week of June 15-20, the following schedule will be followed:

• June 2-6 – Administrative offices will move to the new hospital as in the current plan.

• July 14-18 – Patients and staff from Umstead Hospital will move to the new hospital.

• July 28-Aug. 1 – Patients and staff from Dix Hospital will move to the new hospital.

This adjusted schedule provides an additional 30 days for Umstead staff to complete their training. It provides an additional 44 days for Dix staff to complete their training.

All remaining construction punch list items are being addressed and are scheduled to be completed by June 14.

Hiring of staff will continue and should be at an improved status by these dates.

The hospital team also plans to contract with private hospitals to handle admissions during the transition period.