CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Despite a recent hurdle, the state is set to finalize the sale of four state-run healthcare facilities.
The Marx Development Group will be purchasing the John Manchin Center in Fairmont, Hopemont Hospital in Terra Alta, Jackie Withrow Hospital in Raleigh County and Lakin Hospital in Mason County for $60 million.
Earlier in the week, a Marion County judge ruled that the sale of the Manchin Center was legal. Marion County Senator Joey Garcia and others filed a lawsuit on behalf of a patient, saying the patient would “likely suffer irreparable harm if the sale of the John Manchin facility is finalized.”
Less than a week after the suit was filed, the judge deemed the sale legal.
“It was so clear that we had the authority that we did,” Governor Patrick said during a Wednesday press conference. “We were really gratified that the judge affirmed that thinking and we are proceeding forward and we expect to move to closure on Friday.”
“This was a pretty black and white case and I’m glad that the court saw it that way,” he continued.
As part of the agreement, Marx Development Group has committed to building between three and five new facilities.
Senator Rollan Roberts, R-Raleigh, is a bit concerned about what will happen to the FMRS Health Systems in Beckley. FMRS offers behavioral and mental health to thousands in the area and shares state-owned property with Jackie Withrow Hospital.
“It’s very important that we keep FMRS and we prefer to keep it in the facilities where it is,” Roberts said on “Radio Roundtable” with Fred Persinger II on WJLS Radio. “The potential new owners have given us guidelines as to what they would do with leasing the property because FMRS has always leased with the state.”
Roberts says that while Marx has made promises to invest in West Virginia, there is apprehension.
“When you have a buyout, you’re not sure what the thinking is of the other corporation that’s buying it. It kind of creates a little bit of insecurity in all of us,” Roberts said.