After failed partnership negotiations with Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare and New Orleans-based Ochsner Health System, East Jefferson General Hospital must find a partnership organization or face a tough time meeting the needs of patients as a standalone facility, according to Fox 8 News.
According to Walter Lane, PhD, an associate professor and department chair at the University of New Orleans, the healthcare landscape has changed dramatically since the Metairie, La.-based hospital opened in 1971.
"Basically, these days hospitals can't exist as a standalone institution. East Jeff is the last one in the city that hasn't aligned with somebody, and so they're in trouble," Dr. Lane told Fox 8 News.
Dr. Lane told the publication one of the 250-bed hospital's other partnership options may be New Orleans-based LCMC Health, which operates West Jefferson Medical Center in Marrero, La.
East Jefferson General Hospital is the region's only standalone hospital, according to the report. Hospital officials had been in discussions to partner with Ochsner; however, the health system reportedly ended talks last week. The move came less than two weeks after negotiations with HCA also fell through.
Henry Shane, the chairman of East Jefferson General Hospital's board of directors, told Fox 8 News via email he recognizes the hospital's circumstances, but refuses to rush into a partnership.
"We recognize that we are the only standalone hospital and must align in either a partnership or a lease of our facilities. At the same time, we will not be hasty in partner selection for the sake of selection alone. The board has not ruled out any potential operators. We will continue to have open conversations with all entities that express any interest in discussing a relationship with EJGH. The nature of these discussions must be kept confidential in fairness to all parties," Mr. Shane wrote.
A Jefferson Parish councilwoman told the publication several other healthcare organizations have reached out and expressed interest in a potential partnership with East Jefferson General Hospital.
To access the full report, click here.