Over the past few months, in our community and in this Policy Blog, there has been much discussion about the University of Louisville’s efforts to find a statewide partner for its clinical, teaching, and research programs.\u00a0 Its first solution fell flat over issues of secrecy, intrusion of religious directives into academic and clinical life, giving away a public asset to a private corporation, and other substantial deficiencies.\u00a0 Given the initial reactions by University officers, no one should be surprised that they are at it again.\u00a0 A request for a proposal (RFP) has been filed seeking a new partner.\u00a0 To my viewing, it looks like the RFP has been written for a single preferred responder, but you can judge for yourself.<\/a>\u00a0 Worst of all, the whole process is now cloaked in even more secrecy then the first go around.\u00a0 There will be a total blackout until after the papers are signed.\u00a0 There is no acknowledgment that the Governor or anyone else will have anything to say about it.\u00a0 I would like to think that that is incorrect.\u00a0 I doubt even the University would have the audacity to act against overwhelming concerns of the public it claims to be serving. However, I have yet to overestimate University’s chutzpah!<\/p>\n I have heard a number of things third-hand about how the University plans to rush this deal through to completion before the issue of whether or not University Medical Center Inc., is a private or public entity is settled in the courts.\u00a0 I am therefore reluctant to repeat the information in this Policy Blog without corroboration.\u00a0 If you have first-hand<\/span> information about how UofL or UMC is proceeding, or if there is any continuing role of KentuckyOne Health in this saga, I hope you will contact me directly using the \u201cContact Us Link\u201d in the right-sided panel of this page. \u00a0I am also interested in KentuckyOne Health\u2019s plans for St. Mary’s Hospital.\u00a0 Will it remain a hospital, or will its certificate of need be transferred to a new east-end facility as Norton did with the former Humana Southwest Hospital? I promise you, I will never reveal my sources.\u00a0 If you wish, you may call me at the Institute’s number, 502.802.5092. \u00a0Feel free to contribute a comment here or elsewhere on the site.. \u00a0Registration is not required.<\/p>\n The public deserves honesty and transparency.\u00a0 Please help us to that end.<\/p>\n Peter Hasselbacher, M.D.
\nFeb 27, 2012<\/p>\nShare this:<\/h3>