Oglethorpe, Ga. -based Hutcheson Medical Center, which filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November 2014, could soon lose its bankruptcy protection, according to a Times Free Press report.
The U.S. trustee who oversees the hospital's case, Guy Gebhardt, asked a judge on Monday to terminate Hutcheson's chapter 11 bankruptcy. Mr. Gebhardt believes the hospital should lose its bankruptcy protection because it has incurred another $5 million of debt since November 2014 and has failed to file a reorganization plan.
In his filing, Mr. Gebhardt also expressed concern for Hutcheson's patients. He said the hospital's financial situation puts "patients at risk." Mr. Gebhardt filed his motion after meeting with Susan Goodman, the court-appointed ombudsman for Hutcheson's bankruptcy case, who said she was concerned about the strain on the hospital's clinical staff. Ms. Goodman said the hospital is forced to borrow items from other buildings because it doesn't get standard supplies fast enough. She also said the hospital's clinic and lab are understaffed, according to the report.
However, Hutcheson officials have denied the allegations Mr. Gebhardt made in his motion.
"As a community hospital we by definition make top priority the well-being of every community member that walks through our doors," said Farrell Hayes, CEO of Hutcheson. "We can confidently say that these recent allegations are baseless, and we look forward to discussing our case with the court."
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