BELLEVILLE — St. Elizabeth's Hospital has relocated administrators from nearby Richland Plaza III to the hospital's main campus.

Hospital spokeswoman Kelly Barbeau said the hospital had housed its Southern Illinois Division Administrative Services for its parent company, Springfield-based Hospital Sisters Health Systems, as well as its patient accounts department for the past six years in the three-story building at 720 W. Main St.

She said the move is not the result of layoffs, but to relocate administrators back to the hospital's campus.

"The move from Richland was made namely to consolidate our patient accounts personnel closer to the hospital and the other departments they have to interact with on a daily basis," Barbeau said in a released statement. "In addition, these colleagues -- from both departments -- that are now close to the hospital can therefore take advantage of the many internal events, activities and other benefits provided to them on site."

According to Terry Johnson, president of Johnson Properties Inc. in Fairview Heights, the hospital has vacated 21,000 square feet -- the entire third floor and portion of the second floor -- in the building.

Barbeau said the hospital moved to Richland Plaza III in 2007 from the former Health Education Building, which sat across from the hospital and was demolished by the following year.

Contact reporter Will Buss at wbuss@bnd.com or 239-2526.