It is early in the morning but my internet connection is intermittent and I wanted to post these documents for public use while I am able. Attached is Norton’s formal response to UofL’s Notice of Breach and Demand letter of 8-27-13. Much commentary is possible and I will add some later. UofL’s legal letter to Norton is available for your comparison. You can judge for yourselves who has made the better argument. It was easy for me.
Also attached here is a letter of Aug 23, 2013 from Norton’s President Steve Williams to UofL’s Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs, Dr. Dunn. I had seen a copy of this letter earlier which was useful to me in sorting out the various claims going back and forth from UofL. It is clear that there are alternate versions of these early events. In my opinion, some are more believable than others and one need not be a lawyer to make your own judgements.
I discuss the original agreement to enter into a longterm lease in my last article.
To my knowledge, I was the first to point out publicly that the merger/partnership documents between UofL and Catholic Health Initiatives included language that UofL was willing to offer control of its pediatric services to its new best friends. In the present reply letter from Norton, it is clear that I am not the only one to believe that UofL was the partner in breach!
More to come. Please offer your own thoughts.
Peter Hasselbacher, MD
President, KHPI
Emeritus Professor of Medicine, UofL
September 5, 2013
Available Documents:
Announcement Partnership with UK 8/22/13
Letter from Steve Williams to David Dunn 8/23/12
Notice of Breach & Demand from UofL 8/27/13
Press release from Norton 8/28/13
Reply to Notice of Breach from Norton 9/4/13
Agreement to seek lease 8/12/81