Last Wednesday, we reported community concerns that Jennie Stuart Health was facing financial losses and considering selling to or merging with the Evansville, Indiana-based Deaconess Health System.
The next day, the hospital’s board held a private meeting. Although Hoptown Chronicle editor Jennifer P. Brown’s request to attend was denied, she was able to interview Jennie Stuart CEO Eric Lee after the meeting concluded. He called the rumors of a potential change in ownership “pure speculation.” When asked if community members would have a chance to be heard in the event of such change, Lee pointed to the hospital’s board members — who had signed non-disclosure agreements several months ago — and said they represent the community’s interests.
Then, on Monday, Jennie Stuart and Deaconess announced they had signed a letter of intent for the Hopkinsville hospital to join the larger health care group.
The rumors appear to have been true.
Jennie Stuart was incorporated in 1913 and completed in 1914. Since then, the hospital has grown from a facility with 12 private rooms and four wards of four beds to an acute-care facility with 194 beds and several satellite facilities.