No Partnership With Jersey Shore Hospital Unless Medical Facility Plans Are Dropped
Lock Haven Hospital's Sticking Point:
By Tom Fox - Sun-Gazette Staff
LOCK HAVEN - Is Lock Haven Hospital interested in joining Jersey Shore Hospital in a possible partnership?
According to Tom Davis, chairman of the board at the Lock Haven Hospital, the answer would be no, unless Jersey Shore drops the idea of building a medical facility in the area that would cost close to $20 million.
Davis stated that talks between the two institutions have been conducted on and off for the last three years. The Sun-Gazette reported yesterday that Hubert Valencik, board chairman at the Jersey Shore Hospital, has written a letter to Davis concerning a possible partnership.
Lock Haven's current contract with Quorum expires this year. There are currently seven firms interested in acquiring the hospital, including Susquehanna Health System and Geisinger Health Systems.
"We talked, and Jersey Shore wants to build a medical facility for $20 million," said Davis. "We feel that the community can not afford a debt of this nature.
"What we wanted to do was join forces, make one board and try to slash expenditures. They refused because they still want to build the facility."
Davis said the hospital board is always open to suggestions and will listen to offers from any institution.
According to Davis, the Lock Haven Hospital Board will meet with its attorney tonight to discuss proposals from the seven firms interested in acquiring the hospital.
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