NEW ORLEANS — East Jefferson General Hospital's future is now in the hands of voters.
The Jefferson Parish Council unanimously approved an agreement for LCMC Health to acquire EJGH.
The New Orleans-based hospital group that also runs Children's Hospital, University Medical Center and Touro Infirmary is offering to pay $90 million to buy EJGH.
"Essentially, what it will help us do is keep the doors of the hospital open, keep the 3,000 dedicated employees working, keep the hospital serving our community," JP Council member Jennifer Van Vrancken said.
LCMC already operates the parish's other public hospital, West Jefferson Medical Center in Marrero.
The company agreed to pay $245 million to lease that hospital for 45 years.
Van Vrancken said the East Jeff deal is different.
"This would be a purchase," Van Vrancken said. "That's why it will have to come to the council but also go to voters. A sale requires the approval of our voters."
We spoke with some EJGH patients about the proposed deal.
"I think it's a good idea," Joseph Contavasprie said. "I know they're going broke aren't they? They get something out of it."
Mohammad Nawash wants to make sure EJGH maintains its mission as a community hospital.
"I don't want them to close because it's the one good (hospital) around here," Nawash said. "Ochsner is a good hospital, but it's too expensive."
Nawash also complained you have to book an appointment with an Ochsner way in advance.
As part of the deal, LCMC would spend $100 million on capital improvements at the 420-bed hospital over the next 5 years.
The matter will now go to voters on the East Bank of Jefferson Parish on the May 9 ballot.
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, the state bond commission and the Federal Trade Commission must also sign off on the deal.
East Jefferson General Hospital sent out a statement about the offer.
"The potential partnership between East Jefferson General Hospital and LCMC Health is an important opportunity for our hospital, as well as our region," the statement said. "This partnership will preserve nearly 3,000 jobs and maintains healthcare options for the residents of East Jefferson. This proposed partnership will bring enhancements to equipment, facilities and technologies, while allowing East Jefferson General Hospital to maintain its culture, high quality of care and, most importantly, the patient-to-physician relationships that set us apart. We look forward to the opportunities this partnership will provide and are eager to share the many benefits with the residents of East Jefferson."
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