A potential bidder for Forum Health has received the support of one of the hospital unions, which ratified an intent agreement Thursday evening with the company.
Officials with the Service Employees International Union District 1199 said members overwhelmingly approved the five year agreement, which would take effect if the company does end up buying the health care system.
SEIU hospital division director Rob Johnson held a conference call with local reporters this afternoon and would not give specifics of the agreement but said he believes the company plans on keeping all hospitals open.
"They are going to invest millions which is something that has not occurred in years," Johnson said.
Johnson would not name the bidder, but it is generally believed to be Ardent Health Services. The SEIU, which represents about 1,200 workers at Forum, said they believe the intent agreement is a step in the right direction.
"They believe this other group brings financial stability and provides a bright future for both them and the patients they take care of," Johnson said.
The other unions at Forum must still vote on agreements. The agreements also have to be approved by the judge overseeing Forum's bankruptcy.
Forum Health officials say they are continuing to secure a stable future and continued access to high quality health care services for those living in the Mahoning Valley. In a prepared statement, Forum stated that these options include a potential sale of the system and a stand-alone plan of reorganization, and due to the inherent uncertainty surrounding these alternatives they're moving forward on both fronts.
"We will continue to seek constructive, confidential discussions with the goal of reaching the best possible solution," the release states. "However, no decisions have been made, and we have no further comment at this time."
