Long-time MercyHealth Vice President of Marketing and Communications is terminated over a fraud scheme involving an outside vendor.

According to an internal memo from MercyHealth President Javon Bea obtained by Big Radio, the fraud involves improper arrangements for services and a series of transactions between Barb Bortner and a vendor that resulted in inflated invoices to MercyHealth and kickback payments.

Bea says the services and transactions at issue did not affect patient care or involve medical supplies but were in the marketing area.

MercyHealth is in the process of ending the relationship with the vendor.

Current information indicates the fraud scheme involves about $3 million.

Big Radio is waiting for a comment from MercyHealth officials.