This past week, EastWord heard numerous bits of information from various sources about what was going on regarding the Midwest Regional Medical Center takeover.

City Attorney Kathie Bolles gave me an update, and during our brief conversation Tuesday I could tell she was extremely frustrated.

It turns out Community Health Systems, the new lessee of the hospital that replaced Health Management Association on Jan. 27, is reportedly withholding information.

“We continue to press for access to perform our due diligence,” Bolles told me.
“We have not yet received complete access to the books and records that we are entitled to review.”

She explained the “information” as being the same as what a potential homebuyer would expect to receive during a home inspection.

“If a home was infested with termites, would you want to buy it?” Bolles asked me.
My reply was, “No, that would not be a good investment.”

“Exactly,” Bolles said.

Now just to clarify, Bolles is not implying that the hospital is overrun with vermin. She simply is saying the city, the Hospital Authority and Mercy, who is the hospital’s potential lessee, have no idea the condition of the financial and physical condition of MRMC.

And without this information, Bolles said it makes it very hard for Mercy to make an informed decision.

“I cannot guarantee it’s going to happen,” Bolles said.

She said Mercy may decide that Midwest Regional is not a good investment and where would that put the hospital? Staying in the hands of CHS.

“This is like the purchase of any other business. Mercy will ask themselves if the price is even reasonable.”

And speaking of the lease price, the final figure is still not known because the third appraisal of the hospital is not complete yet.

In CHS’s favor, Bolles did say they have granted “minor” access and have told the city they plan to set up a virtual data room to release the rest. The only problem is no release date has been set, she explained.

Late Wednesday, EastWord learned that the city had three filed three legal documents in district court the day before.

Bolles told me on Tuesday that legal action might be the route the city would have to take and that’s what they chose to do.

Obviously, a long road has been traveled so far in regard to the controversial takeover and there are still many miles to go.