Perry County residents have been kept in dark about hospital future

We have an unfortunate situation that has developed with our Perry County Memorial Hospital (PCMH). There are two boards of directors for our hospital -- The elected board of directors and the private board of directors. The private board of directors are responsible for nearly all major decisions and these board members have signed confidentiality agreements and are often directed by their legal advisors that they should not discuss important matters.

This "private board" of five members have major responsibility. They have control over a $65 million asset owned by Perry County, the Perry County Memorial Hospital. While they may be acting in what they think is in the best interest of our county, I think that they are about to make a very irresponsible decision. They are about to enter into an agreement with Mercy Hospital for management of our county hospital. Mercy Hospital is a large aggressive hospital that I think will be in full control quickly. This is being done secretly, without input from owners (Perry County citizens) of the hospital.

I am sure that this is a total surprise to 99.9% of our citizens. I ask that you ask our county commissioners to refrain from acting on any matters about this formation until they have full awareness and knowledge about what is happening. Today they know nothing.

Frank Robinson, Perryville, Missouri