Summary of BradenHealth’s Acquisition and Plans for Jellico Hospital
What This Story Is About
- Acquisition: BradenHealth has acquired the former Jellico Hospital for just one dollar and plans to reopen it after years of closure.
Why It Matters
- History of Closures: The hospital has been intermittently closed for seven to eight years due to previous operators failing to maintain operations.
What Happens Next
- Preparation: A team of 14 BradenHealth employees is now working on preparations for construction and recertification. The next steps include regulatory work, property surveys, construction, recertification, and obtaining a certificate of need.
For Context
- Company Background: BradenHealth runs rural hospitals in Tennessee and Virginia. They previously attempted to acquire the hospital under a different ownership to prevent closure but were unsuccessful.
Additional Information
Hospital’s History
- The hospital has experienced operational challenges for several years, with prior operators unable to sustain its functions. It was formerly run by Seventh-day Adventist Health for about 30 years, providing significant employment to the community.
Planned Services
- BradenHealth aims to support both Jellico and nearby areas like Williamsburg, Kentucky, and Campbell County, with the intention to provide ambulance services. The reopening is expected to generate over 100 jobs. A contractual clause stipulates that if BradenHealth closes the hospital again, ownership would revert to the city.
Work Underway
- On-site Work: The team is addressing issues like mold and disposing of abandoned equipment to prepare the facility. Regulatory hurdles and construction could take about a year, though timelines may vary based on the findings related to the building’s infrastructure.
This acquisition represents a significant opportunity for the community, potentially revitalizing healthcare access in the region.
