EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Las Cruces hospital Memorial Medical Center, which has been racked in controversy during the past six months, has named a new chief executive officer, it announced.
Memorial Medical Center, a Lifepoint Health hospital, announced that Dennis Knox has been named its new chief executive officer (CEO), effective immediately.
Knox has served as interim CEO since August 2024, “bringing extensive experience in health care leadership and operational management,” the hospital said in a news release.
Previous CEO John Harris retired in August after New Mexico state Attorney General Raul Torrez launched an investigation into the hospital. While launching the investigation, Torrez alleged that the hospital had refused to treat cancer patients, denied or required full up-front payments from several uninsured or Medicaid-eligible patients, failed to screen patients for financial assistance, and denied medical services to patients.
The City of Las Cruces and Dona Ana County also accused the hospital shortly after that, that it had violated its lease and they demanded a list of corrective actions be taken.
“Dennis has been a steady and effective leader during his interim tenure at Memorial Medical Center,” said Jen Alderfer, president of Lifepoint Health’s western division. “He has shown a genuine commitment to supporting our patients, staff, and community, and I am confident he will continue to drive the hospital forward in meaningful ways.”
The hospital, which is part of the Lifepoint Health network, said that Knox brings “more than 40 years of health care leadership experience” to his new role.
“Dennis has demonstrated a strong dedication to advancing patient care and supporting the well-being of our community,” said Dr. Rob Shoots, chairman of the Memorial Medical Center Board of Trustees. “His leadership reflects a clear focus on ensuring that our hospital remains a trusted resource for quality, compassionate care. We are confident that he will continue to guide Memorial Medical Center with integrity and purpose.”
Knox has a master’s degree in health administration and a bachelor’s degree in management science from Duke University.
“It is an honor to take on the role of CEO at Memorial Medical Center,” Knox said. “I have been inspired by the dedication and compassion of our team and look forward to continuing our work together to provide quality care and support the health and well-being of our community.”
“Knox’s leadership marks a new chapter for Memorial Medical Center as it continues to focus on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care and strengthening its role as a cornerstone of the community,” the hospital said in its news release.
Memorial Medical Center describes itself as a “199-bed full-service acute care hospital located in Las Cruces, New Mexico and serving a five-county region of Southern New Mexico.
“Our mission is simple: Making Communities Healthier. We are a part of the Lifepoint Health family of hospitals, which means we aim to create a place where people choose to come for health care, physicians and providers want to practice, and employees want to work,” the hospital added.
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