More than six months after Bay Medical Center trustees announced plans to take the hospital private, the issue is finally coming down to a vote. Following a three hour public hearing Thursday night, the second of two hearings, Bay County commissioners agreed to add the issue to their February 21 meeting agenda.
More than two dozen Bay Medical employees, retirees and doctors urged commissioners to support the joint venture with Sacred Heart Health System and LHP Hospital Group.
"We're not going to find a better partner, a better fit or a better marriage than Sacred Heart," said Dr. Michael Slavens. "With that being said, do the right thing for the citizens of Bay County, do the right things for the employees of Bay Medical, and please do the right thing for our patients and vote yes."
Three quarters of the speakers voiced support for the lease. Opponents asked commissioners to delay their decision.
"Let the taxpayers weigh in on this issue," said Pam Shadix. "Be an advocate for the individual taxpayer, not just big business... and be the voice of the people that you represent."
But Sacred Heart executives said the joint venture partners won't stick around long enough for a referendum and commissioners seem convinced that Bay Medical's finances are in critical condition.
"If we could back up two years, this would be a whole different story… we would have different options," said Commissioner Bill Dozier. "But we can't do that, we have to deal with what we have before us today."
"If we don't do anything, I believe Bay Med will go away," said Commissioner Mike Thomas.
Despite the urgency of resolving the hospital's immediate financial crisis, commissioners are looking long term.
"It's not something that's going to impact me but my grandchildren when they're older than I am will be feeling the effects of this contract," said Commissioner Guy Tunnell.
"We've got to look at the future, we've got to look at what's ahead for Bay County, what's ahead for our children, what's ahead for our citizens," said Commissioner Mike Nelson.
Chairman George Gainer pushed for additional written assurance that Bay Medical employees will be protected. After the joint venture partners agreed to tighten the language on that issue, Gainer appeared on the verge of being sold. "I have given up a lot of position on this thing," said Gainer. "I haven't agreed with a whole lot of it… but now is the time when we need to come together and we need to try to get behind this project and move forward."
Commissioners agreed to decide the fate of Bay Medical next Tuesday if the final lease document contains the changes they have requested.
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