San Benito Health Care District board members voted unanimously to file for Chapter 9 bankruptcy for Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital in California — a decision many healthcare workers are strongly against, KSBW reports.
Before the meeting got underway, a large crowd of several different healthcare workers picketed while chanting, “Save our hospital.”
They made their way into the board meeting, filling the stairway, halls and seats. During public comment, many of them spoke passionately against filing bankruptcy, fearing that the move would be the beginning of a further decline.
Ultimately, their comments weren’t enough to persuade the board.
“What we’re hearing from the public is basically ‘do what you have to do to keep the hospital open.’ And, we did that tonight,” said Marcus Young, Hazel Hawkins Hospital spokesperson.
The facility received a $3 million loan from the state in January to help it find a strategic partner for an acquisition.
According to the hospital, the bankruptcy process will address four core issues:
• Resolves key contract issues relating to its self-inured status for healthcare benefits for employees
• The filing allows the hospital to remain open and fully operational during the process
• Accelerates the search for a partner or a buyer
• The court can appoint an ombudsman to ensure a high level of care provided by the hospital. Read more.
