Purchase of hospital delayed by state official

While the actual move from the Jefferson County Hospital to the new Jefferson County Health Center went smoothly, a few hiccups happened in regards to the purchase of the old building.

To receive financing to purchase the building, SunnyBrook Assisted Living had to obtain a certificate of need from the State Health Facilities Council for an additional 50 beds. The certificate of need was approved in January, but financing cannot be granted until the certificate of need is signed by the Iowa State attorney general and published for 30 days in case an appeal is requested. As of today, the article has not yet been signed.

Problems came due to the fact the hospital had already submitted paperwork with the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services specifying April 18 as the move date to the new facility; it could not be changed. To make sure the patients at the Living Care Center were cared for, some last-minute adjustments had to be made the day before the move.

?It came down to the fact it was Friday night, and we had to get it done,? said Jefferson County Health Center chief executive officer and hospital administrator Deb Cardin.

It was decided the hospital would lease the old building to SunnyBrook for a fee of $1 per month until the certificate of need is signed and published for 30 days, therefore making it possible for SunnyBrook to acquire financing. To provide support for the residents, the hospital also is donating the use of staff members in areas of housekeeping, dietary, maintenance and laundry until Friday.

For the complete article, see the Tuesday, April 28, 2009, Fairfield Ledger.