Second partner finalist visits Skaggs

Executives from Brentwood, Tenn.-based LifePoint Hospitals on Friday visited Skaggs Regional Medical Center, furthering the Branson health system's decision in choosing a strategic financial partner, according to a June 20 news release from Skaggs.

Four days earlier, Skaggs played host to the other finalist, Springfield-based CoxHealth and its CEO Steve Edwards.

LifePoint Chairman and CEO Bill Carpenter, President and Chief Operating Officer David Dill and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lanny Copeland were among the health system's administrators to tour Skaggs on June 15.

"Following our visit on Friday, we are more impressed than ever by the talented team at (Skaggs) and its clear dedication to providing quality care to its community,” Carpenter said in the release. "We believe LifePoint is a great fit for Skaggs and the communities it serves, and we are excited about the possibility of investing new resources in its growth and partnering with the exceptional employees and physicians at the facility to strengthen the health care delivery system in Branson.”

Skaggs entered the search for a strategic partner in February, narrowed the pool of candidates down to six in April and selected the two finalists later that month.

The search for a financial partner was prompted by years of operating losses, including a $1.9 million operating loss in fiscal 2011.

After Skaggs reviews the candidates, the board of directors for the 165-bed community-owned hospital will sign a letter of intent with a single candidate and recommend the chosen health system to the Skaggs Board of Trustees for a final vote. A strategic partner is expected to be chosen in early fall, according to the release.