WATSONVILLE — Nurses from the Watsonville Community Hospital will hold a town hall meeting concerning the upcoming sale of the acute-care facility in the City of Watsonville’s council chambers on July 14.
Speaking at Watsonville City Council’s June 25 meeting, Quiche Rubalcava, a registered nurse at Watsonville Community Hospital, said the public was invited to the 2-4 p.m. meeting to discuss how the community can work together to “safeguard the vital services of our community here in Watsonville.”
“We have serious concerns about this sale,” Rubalcava said.
Los Angeles-based Halsen Healthcare in early June announced the roughly $40 million purchase of the 106-bed hospital alongside former owner Tennessee-based Quorum Health Corporation, which has owned the hospital since 2016.
The purchase, however, cannot be completed until the Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust invokes its “right of first refusal,” which allows the foundation to purchase the hospital before the seller negotiates any other offers.
Halsen Healthcare was specifically formed last year to purchase Watsonville Community Hospital, according to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dan Brothman.
Brothman and partners Sean Fowler (President and Chief Operating Officer) and Edmund King (Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer) have 80 combined years of experience running hospitals, Brothman said during the public comment portion of the June 25 City Council meeting.
“We’re very anxious to work here,” Brothman said. “We’ve devote a year, not made any money, to make this work…I love your community. I want to be here. I’ve hired a realtor. I’m looking for a house.”
Rubalcava followed Brothman during the public comment portion of the council meeting and said the nurses union and community would do its due diligence leading up to the sale.
“We’re going to look at your record,” Rubalcava said to Brothman. “You said some kind words today, but actions speak louder than words.”
