The following comments from Noel Cervino, Interim CEO and CFO, are in response to an article in the Feb. 27th edition of the Maryland Independent newspaper regarding staffing levels at Civista Medical Center.

Civista and the Nurses’ Union (SEIU) are currently in contract negotiations. The current contract expires on February 28, 2009.

It is not unusual in healthcare for negotiations to continue beyond the contract expiration date, as is the case here. The hospital has negotiated for three months in good faith, and additional sessions are scheduled for the future. During these future negotiations, the terms of the existing contract will remain in place.

It is important to note that Civista’s staffing levels are at or above both State and National Standards for nursing care and are in compliance with the nurses’ current specified levels. This has been supported by a recent survey by the Maryland Department of Health, Office of Healthcare Quality. During that survey all units were toured, staffing schedules were reviewed, and both staff and patients were interviewed. At the conclusion of the survey, no recommendations relating to staffing were made.

We will continue to update you on the progress of the negotiations. If you have any questions, please contact any member of the Executive Management Team.

Thank you,

Noel Cervino, Interim CEO and CFO,

Civista Health