With no profits and low patient volumes, the Cleveland Clinic along with the Lakewood Hospital Association announced in Januarya proposal that would end a lease arrangement that allowed the region's largest health system tooperate the 108-year-old hospital.
The two entities hope to close the hospital, and - in its place - open an outpatient center. Attorney Chris DeVito says the city should have enforced its contract requiring the Clinic to continue operating the hospital.
"The Clinic has certain obilgations such as put back the required services in the lease, maintain the hospital, which they are $91 million behind on maintenaance. To operate the hospital until the end of the lease period until 2026. And to make the lease payments so that there is no rush to do anything," DeVito says.
Lakewood Law Director Kevin Butler declined to comment on the full complaint, which is nearly 200 pages.
The Cleveland Clinic released a statement via e-mail: "“Cleveland Clinic has been proud to manage Lakewood Hospital for nearly 20 years. We were asked to submit a proposal that would transform the way healthcare is provided for residents in the City of Lakewood that is sustainable for the long-term future. Our commitment to the Lakewood community remains strong and we have continued to honor and follow the contract to operate the hospital for the City of Lakewood. We hope this litigation does not compromise the thoughtful process that is underway, so Lakewood residents can receive high-quality, healthcare that meets their needs well into the future.”
Story by Sarah Jane Tribble