Almost an entire year after the State Hospital began the process of "privatizing" their organization, Superintendent
Jeff Butler sat down to talk about the progress that has been made.
While most employees and community members are anxious to have all the details worked out and the transition complete,
the final days seem out of reach.
"Currently the attorneys for both sides are in negotiations," said Jeff Butler.
Butler expressed his own anxiousness and explained how at the moment his hands are tied.
"All we can do is wait." He said.
Although many hospitals have closed or changed hands in recent history, the Richmond State Hospital is trying something
new that is taking more time and consideration. Instead of being taken over by an already established, private entity,
a board of local health care and business professionals is hoping to run the hospital through a newly created not for profit
group.
"Because this is new and somewhat of a hybrid, more issues are being raised and it is slowing down the process," Butler
said.
With many proposed dates for completion passed, Butler and the rest of the employees at the hospital are hopeful that
the new July 1 deadline will be met.
Butler said the ultimate goal of the board is to continue to provide good care to its patients and make the organization
a successful one. He always wants to be able to maintain the jobs that are currently in place at the hospital.
"Basically," Butler said, "things are structurally in place, there are just a few key issues of control to get finished."
