On Thursday, Baxter Health announced they reached an agreement with the Fulton County Hospital for them to become a part of the Baxter Health System. With unanimous votes the Fulton County Quorum Court on Feb. 20 and the Baxter Health System Board of Directors on Feb. 28, both sides agreed to have Baxter Health manage the Fulton County Hospital for the remainder of 2024 and then execute the long-term lease by Jan. 1, 2025.
This decision comes after the Fulton County Hospital Board voted unanimously in August, 2023, to sign a letter of intent to enter into a management agreement with Baxter Health by the recommendation of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration consultants Alvarez & Marsal Public Sector Service, LLC, who helped Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and state legislators decide how to prioritize hospitals’ requests for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.
Fulton County Judge Kenneth Crow spoke with KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot News to discuss what this partnership will mean for the residents of Fulton County.
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Vice President of Ancillary Services Anthony Reed, who has been serving as the Interim Chief Administrator for the Fulton County Hospital, states the hospital is thriving once again.
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President and Chief Executive Officer Ron Peterson states he feels the partnership has been well received by the community.
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Reed discussed what patients can expect in Fulton County.
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Peterson state in a time where many rural hospitals are closing, this partnership is a big win for Fulton County and Baxter Health.
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After six months of operational oversight, Baxter Health has helped increase volumes across various service lines including swing bed and endoscopy. In addition, they have improved the revenue cycle, addressed compliance issues and helped generate positive cash flow to settle debts with key suppliers, fulfill payroll obligations, and repay substantial loan amounts to local financial institutions.
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