St. Mary's proposal made public
HUNTSVILLE — Barring the discovery of any “red flags” during a 45-day due diligence period which begins Monday, St. Mary’s Health System of Knoxville should be ready to assume the lease of the Scott County Hospital.
That’s what St. Mary’s President and CEO Debra K. London told members of county commission in an informal meeting held Monday evening at the Scott County Office Building.
St. Mary’s has already signed a letter of intent to assume the least currently held by Attentus Healthcare, but will need county commission’s approval before that transaction can be complete.
St. Mary’s is asking to take over the lease as written for a two-year period, with a request of being relieved of the commitment to build a new facility.
“We’re asking you to relieve us of that obligation,” London said.
Instead, London and several of her associates from St. Mary’s, explained that over the next two years St. Mary’s would “prove itself” to the commission and then “make plans for capital improvements in exchange for a longer term lease.”
During the course of the discussion, County Attorney Robert Beaty told the commission that a “straight assumption” of the existing lease would leave Attentus as the principal contractor, and make St. Mary’s a sub-contractor, thus holding Attentus to its commitment to build a new hospital. He said Attentus would be responsible for that provision unless and until the board of commissioners relieved them of that responsibility.
The 90-minute meeting included a lengthy question and answer session from members of the commission, as well as comments from Hospital Board members, hospital employees (including two physicians), and officials of St. Mary’s.