HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Save Jennie Stuart group announced they have filed a lawsuit in the Christian County Circuit Court, seeking an injunction to pause the hospital’s merger with Deaconess. SJS revealed this information in a news release on Dec. 6, saying that the suit came after their request to mediate with the board was declined.
“It’s incredibly disappointing that this group has decided to pursue a wasteful and meritless lawsuit, which potentially puts the benefits Jennie Stuart patients would receive at risk, instead of working with us to give our community the health system we all deserve,” said a statement from the Jennie Stuart Board of Trustees.
According to SJS, the decision to pursue a lawsuit was made after a careful investigation of the value of the hospital and a consultation with financial experts. “The complaint alleges that the fair market value of Jennie Stuart is substantial, and the Jennie Stuart Board has breached its fiduciary duties to the Hospital by agreeing to essentially transfer the hospital and all of its assets to Deaconess with insufficient consideration coming back to the community,” said a news release from SJS.
The Jennie Stuart Health Board of Trustees has since responded to the lawsuit, further insisting that the transaction with Deaconess Health will improve the quality of local health care.
“The JSH Board conducted a comprehensive process, thoroughly evaluated a range of potential options for Jennie Stuart’s future with leading financial and legal advisors and has frequently engaged with community members throughout this process,” continued the board’s statement. “We are focused every day on putting our patients, caregivers and our community first as we work to support a stronger and better Jennie Stuart.”
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