Sandoval Regional Medical Center Names Permanent Chief, Focuses on Growth
University of New Mexico Sandoval Regional Medical Center on November 20 named Meaghan Carey Eiland as its permanent chief after she served in the role on an interim basis. Her appointment matters to Sandoval County residents because she has prioritized workforce development, expanded community partnerships and plans to stabilize and grow local services following leadership transitions earlier this year.
The University of New Mexico Sandoval Regional Medical Center formally appointed Meaghan Carey Eiland as its permanent chief on November 20, concluding a period in which she served in the role on an interim basis. The move comes as hospital leadership seeks to steady operations and pursue service expansion after several administrative changes earlier in the year.
Eiland has identified workforce development, stronger community partnerships and expanded clinical services as immediate priorities for SRMC. Hospital leaders and county officials outlined the administrative context for the appointment during the October 22 county meeting where the decision was noted, signaling coordination between the medical center and regional governance as the facility moves into a more stable leadership phase.
Staffing and retention have been key issues for hospitals nationwide and local officials say SRMC is no exception. By emphasizing workforce development, Eiland aims to address staffing gaps that affect patient access and continuity of care. Strengthening recruitment and training at SRMC could lead to more consistent staffing levels, shorter wait times and more predictable scheduling for services that many Sandoval County residents rely on.
Community partnerships are a central element of Eiland’s agenda. Building relationships with local clinics, public health agencies and community organizations can help extend preventive care, improve chronic disease management and coordinate post discharge follow up. For residents this can mean a more connected health system and better navigation of available services close to home.
Plans to expand services at SRMC have both clinical and economic implications for the county. Added services can reduce the need for patients to travel outside the county for specialized care, support local employment and strengthen the hospital’s role as a regional healthcare hub. Stabilizing operations after leadership transitions is likely to improve administrative continuity and long term planning, which are important for both clinical staff and patients.
The university affiliation gives SRMC access to academic resources and potential collaborations that can support training and quality improvement. Hospital administrators and county leaders indicated that Eiland’s permanent appointment is intended to accelerate the implementation of strategic priorities discussed during earlier meetings.
As SRMC moves forward under permanent leadership, residents can expect the hospital to pursue workforce initiatives and partnerships designed to improve local access to care. Further details about specific service expansions and timelines are likely to emerge as hospital leadership implements the priorities set out since the October county discussion and the formal November appointment.
