Mediated conversations between Newman Regional Health and Stormont-Vail Health appear to have concluded. The results, much like the meetings themselves, are not being publicized.
In a joint statement between the two hospital systems, the two sides say they are not able to comment on content or outcome due to the “confidentiality of the sessions.” The statement also says the following: “We entered mediation in good faith, optimistic to find positive paths forward that best serve the community’s health care needs. We remain committed to continuing discussions and valuing each other’s perspectives and contributions to deliver the best care for our patients within the community.”
The two systems agreed to an external presence late last year as Stormont-Vail announced plans for a better than $30 million medical facility in Emporia. Newman Regional Health responded by submitting several potential zoning code text changes for approval by the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission and Emporia City Commission, designed to add extra layers of local oversight for outside medical entities while protecting the hospital’s financial interests to a degree.
The Emporia City Commission will have the final say on whether the Newman Regional plan will be approved.
