Changes at the North Hawaii Community Hospital on the Big Island continue to be made as officials there attempt to get the hospital back on its feet financially and smooth out differences with the community.

Ron Vigus has been named interim chief executive officer of the Waimea hospital. Vigus replaces Jeff Comer, who resigned as CEO this week.

Vigus had been chief operating officer at Sparks Memorial Hospital in Arkansas.

Both North Hawaii Community Hospital and Sparks Memorial are managed by Quorum Health Resources, which is based in Tennessee.

Comer resigned after community uproar over layoffs at the medical facility.

The hospital announced last week that it would lay off 59 employees, or 13 percent of its staff, as it attempted to save $4 million in annual wages and benefits.

The layoffs, as well as the loss of prominent hospital supporter Earl Bakken, led to a public outcry for Comer's resignation.

In addition to a new interim CEO, the hospital announced the nomination of Dr. John Dawson and Susan Hunt to the board. Board member Warren Lee said the hospital also hopes to make amends with Bakken.

"We are also working diligently to re-establish a cherished relationship with Earl Bakken, who is contemplating a return to our board," Lee said in a statement.

Also, the hospital said it has established a fund to help the laid-off employees.