Fitzgibbon Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Angy Littrell commented on the organization’s decision to file for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and seek a partner for the sale of the facility.

Fitzgibbon, as well as many other rural hospitals across the country, have experienced increasing financial pressures in recent years due to rising operating costs, workforce shortages, and reimbursements at less than cost from non-negotiable governmental payers like Medicare and Medicaid. Due to these struggles, the organization announced its decision to voluntarily file for protection under Chapter 11 in an effort to stabilize the hospital’s financial position while ensuring uninterrupted care for patients. Littrell tells KMMO News that the filing allows Fitzgibbon to continue providing services for residents and patients while completing a transaction for the sale of the facility.

 

Littrell says the hospital has secured a partner for sale of the facility, but the transaction won’t be complete until after the bankruptcy process.

 

Despite the many challenges rural hospitals like Fitzgibbon face, Littrell says she’s optimistic about what bringing in an additional partner could do for the facility.

 

Fitzgibbon is continuing to operate its acute care hospital, its 24/7 Emergency Department, its core services, as well as the services of The Living Center. For updates and additional information, visit www.fitzgibbon.org or contact Manager of Marketing and Spiritual Care Richard DeFord at 660-831-3235. The complete release from Fitzgibbon can be found here: press-release-reorganization_final