Last Wednesday, we reported community concerns that Jennie Stuart Health was facing financial losses and considering selling to or merging with the Evansville, Indiana-based Deaconess Health System.
The next day, the hospital’s board held a private meeting. Although Hoptown Chronicle editor Jennifer P. Brown’s request to attend was denied, she was able to interview Jennie Stuart CEO Eric Lee after the meeting concluded. He called the rumors of a potential change in ownership “pure speculation.” When asked if community members would have a chance to be heard in the event of such change, Lee pointed to the hospital’s board members — who had signed non-disclosure agreements several months ago — and said they represent the community’s interests.
Then, on Monday, Jennie Stuart and Deaconess announced they had signed a letter of intent for the Hopkinsville hospital to join the larger health care group.
The rumors appear to have been true.
Jennie Stuart was incorporated in 1913 and completed in 1914. Since then, the hospital has grown from a facility with 12 private rooms and four wards of four beds to an acute-care facility with 194 beds and several satellite facilities.
We believe the proposed ownership change deserves public input. As we continue to report on related developments, our top priority is exploring how a development of this magnitude would affect our community. In order to do that, we need to head from you.
Do you feel a change in ownership would affect you? If so, how? Do you have concerns or questions you’d like to have more information about? What questions do you have?
We hope you’ll take a minute to send us your thoughts and feedback. They are critical to our reporting.
Julia Hunter is the engagement editor for Hoptown Chronicle. Reach her at julia@hoptownchronicle.org.
