Questions continue to surround potential YRMC merger
LifePoint Health CEO David Dill comes to Yuma to get, and give, answers - FOX 9's Adam Klepp reports
YUMA (KECY-TV, KYMA-TV) - Representatives from LifePoint Health returned to Yuma this week as the healthcare group looks to merge with Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC).
LifePoint CEO David Dill spent the past two days meeting with YRMC employees.
LifePoint's status as a for-profit company has been a concern. YRMC is currently non-profit. The merger's impact on staffing has also been a consideration.
“We felt it was appropriate to alleviate some questions employees have, to come out and put a face on our company," Dill said. "We felt that there were some very productive discussions.”
In spite of those discussions, the merger is far from a done deal. YRMC actually leases the property the hospital sits on from Yuma County. The Yuma Hospital District One must approve a new lease before the partnership can move forward.
Dr. Connie Uribe sits on the district. She says board members still don't have enough information to sign off on a new lease.
“We can not make a decision without information," Uribe said. "This is the first time we have received any information from Yuma Regional Medical Center.”
Dill says he recognizes the concerns of staff members, and the hospital district. He says he is working to get them the details they need.
"This transaction is simply not possible without a constructive dialogue and an agreement between the current hospital board and the district and we’re working hard to make sure those come together," Dill said.
The hospital district has no estimate on when it might make a decision on the lease.
