Hospital deal could close by Dec. 1

“Realistically, we’re looking at a Dec. 1 closing,” said Steve Clapp of RHC.

The company, which specializes in turning around troubled hospitals, has offered local physicians a chance to purchase up to 50 percent (total) interest in the venture.

“Right now, we’re trying to build those relationships with the medical staff, the management team and the community,” Clapp said. “You will see our presence there growing as we get closer.”

Clapp said a number of physicians have expressed an interest in investing in the acquisition.

“Really, we’re just looking at local physicians,” he said. “If someone wanted to contact us who might be in an adjacent community, we would be willing to talk to them.”

Clapp said Restoration Healthcare has no set goal in terms of investment from local partners.

“It’s more about having the right people and do we have a good, broad representation,” he said. “We’d like as much participation as we can get without regards to ownership because you’ve got more people involved.”

Baker has scheduled a public hearing for Monday, Nov. 16, at East Jackson Comprehensive High School.

The document reveals that two other groups were interested in the facility. First Physicians Realty Group, Beverly Hills, CA, offered $7 million for the facility. Pruitt Properties offered $8.5 million, but Pruitt’s game plan was to shut down the hospital and focus on operation of the nursing home.