On behalf of Wheeling (W.Va.) Hospital, the West Virginia Health Care Authority ordered a public hearing discussing Irvine, Calif.-based Alecto Healthcare Services' certificate of need application to take place April 20, according to The Intelligencer.
Alecto Healthcare Services revealed plans to acquire Wheeling, W.Va.-based Ohio Valley Medical Center and Martins Ferry-based East Ohio Hospital Jan. 27.
To purchase the facilities, Alecto is required by West Virginia law to apply for a certificate of need. Ohio does not have similar legislation in place.
Thomas Casto, an attorney for Wheeling Hospital, said in a statement to The Intelligencer, "OVMC is a public asset in a situation that could adversely affect its future and that of its employees. It is true we have an interest in the facility, and have spoken to OVMC about acquiring it. … The CON hearing serves as an opportunity for Wheeling Hospital and the public to learn about Alecto's plans. It will provide a forum for questions to be asked."
He added Wheeling Hospital's desire for a public hearing was not made in opposition to the sale of OVMC, but to discover more about how Alecto plans to run both facilities. "We simply are attempting to learn more about the proposal in a public setting and whether it could adversely affect Wheeling Hospital and the community. Since Alecto is opposed to the public hearing, perhaps it has something to hide," said Mr. Casto, according to the report.
Michael Garrison, an attorney for Alecto Healthcare Services and unaffiliated with the proposed acquisition, responded to the claims made by Wheeling Hospital, stating to The Intelligencer, "[Wheeling Hospital administrators] are hiding the fact that their request for a public hearing is a thinly veiled attempt to create a monopoly on healthcare in the Ohio Valley. And, they are clearly hiding the fact that they just don't care about what happens to the patients and employees of OVMC."