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The

executive committee of the Board of Trustees of Southern

Regional Health System has announced that it has asked

for the resignations of its two top executives, Eugene A.

Leblond, Southern Regional's chief executive officer, and

Charles Van Sluyter, chief operating officer.

"This

has been one of of the most difficult situations our

board has ever faced," said Benny Whitmor, chairman

of the board. "Our medical center is experiencing

significant growth in patient service volumes as well as

the challenges that accompany such growth. The board is

confident that our staff is fully capable to fill this

void until new leadership is appointed."

Leblond and

Van Sluyter are on administrative leave with full pay and

benfits pending separation discussions. PROMINA will

provide interim management support to Southern Regional

pending the replacement of its two top officers. Southern

Regional has been a member of PROMINA Health System since

1997.