Hutcheson officials want an organization with experience operating hospitals in similar communities, skills in actively working with local medical staff and recruiting physicians, and expertise in caring for the uninsured and underinsured in the service area. Additionally, the hospital wants a lessee that will provide the best solutions for the hospital's finances and successfully maintain a community hospital that meets the needs of the local population, according to a news release. The RFP also asks that potential partners keep the current hospital employees.
Chattanooga, Tenn.-based Erlanger Health System has managed Hutcheson since April 2011. However, Hutcheson officials decided last month to end the partnership with Erlanger because they weren't satisfied with the management agreement. In late June, Hutcheson and Erlanger officials put forth a proposal for the health system to lease the hospital for 30 years. That lease proposal died in August after the hospital and health system were unable to reach an agreement.
Proposals are due Oct. 24. It will take 45 to 60 days for the hospital to solicit and review proposals, according to the news release.
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