HI-DESERT MEDICAL CENTER BOARD APPROVES 30-YEAR LEASE

In a special meeting last night, the board of directors of the Hi-Desert Memorial Healthcare District signed papers approving a 30-year lease of Hi-Desert Medical Center to Tenet HealthCare of Dallas, Texas. Reporter Mike Lipsitz says another meeting tonight will set up a required election on the agreement…
Following many months of negotiations, last night, the governing board at Hi-Desert Medical Center approved the terms of a 30-year lease/purchase agreement with Tenet California. Highlights of the proposed agreement include Tenet’s commitment to operate the acute care hospital and related District businesses while committing $32 million in capital improvements to the system over the next three years; maintaining Joint Commission accreditation and licenses; and hiring all current medical staff and employees in good standing. These conditions are in addition to other benefits said to come with being part of an integrated medical system that already includes Desert Hospital in Palm Springs and JFK Hospital in Indio. Last night’s meeting was adjourned until 6 p.m. tonight when the board will reconvene to consider a resolution calling for a special mail ballot election June 23. A June 30 closing of the agreement is anticipated pending voter approval.