In September, Jennie Stuart Health officials announced they signed a letter of intent to possibly merge with Deaconess Health. Since then, a group, “Save Jennie Stuart” has formed and is urging the Jennie Stuart Board of Trustees to pause and reconsider the merger.
According to a news release, Save Jennie Stuart is made up by former board of trustees member, Theresa Nichol; former Christian Fiscal Court Magistrate and board member, Darrell Gustafson; former Hopkinsville Mayor and board member, Dan Kemp and Helen Cayce the first nurse practitioner at the hospital.
Save Jennie Stuart shares that they do not believe Deaconess, based in Evansville, Indiana, is a good fit for the community. They express that affiliating with Evansville for core medical needs does not match the long-term growth patterns and future direction of the community.
Save Jennie Stuart also claims that the hospital is not suffering financially, continues to have income and has ample savings. However, Jennie Stuart Health President Eric Lee issued a statement when the letter was signed saying that rural hospitals today face huge challenges providing the healthcare needed to serve communities best. By coming together with Deaconess, they will be able to continue that mission and expand services.
Further sharing their concerns, Save Jennie Stuart questions what the community will gain or lose from the merger and why the discussion process has not been more transparent.
The letter of intent between the hospital and Deaconess is non-binding allowing both organizations to begin a process of due diligence where they can evaluate each other and finalize any specific details of an agreement that joins the two. The process is expected to be completed by late 2024.