Trustees say Washington Regional Medical Center slated for auction this winter

Affinity CEO Frank Avignone and Trustee Tom Waldrep updated the Washington County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 9, 2019 about the status of Washington Regional Medical Center.

Avignone said that proceeds from a potential sale would be used to pay creditors and employees who have not been paid. Trustee Tom Waldrep told the board that “the sale/auction of the hospital will be in December or January,” and said trustees will oversee the sale process and seek court authorization to control who may bid.

Commissioners asked several operational questions. Commissioner Walker asked how many employees had not been paid; Avignone said employees who remained on staff have been paid and that a different process applies to employees who did not return. Commissioner Riddick questioned the name change and its potential to cause confusion with the nearby town of Washington; Avignone said the rebrand was intended to link to the hospital’s past while attracting other health-care providers. Commissioner Phelps asked whether patient volume had increased since the rebrand; Avignone said he did not have that data but noted the hospital has updated its cafeteria and installed a CT scanner.

Commissioner Phelps also questioned how trustees would prevent prior owners from submitting a low bid; Waldrep said he would be in charge of the sale and would seek a court order to govern the sale process. Chair Tracey A. Johnson thanked Waldrep for his assistance.

The board did not take formal action on hospital ownership or operations at the meeting; the discussion was an informational update. The county has not adopted a position on the proposed sale or auction, and trustees indicated the sale timetable is winter 2019–2020.