Panel upholds ruling against Tuomey

In a ruling one judge said could be a "death sentence" for Tuomey Healthcare System, a unanimous three-judge panel of the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court ruling Thursday that means the community hospital may be liable for $237.4 million in damages and fines.

Tuomey CEO Michelle Logan-Owens said she was disappointed in the decision but that the hospital would "stand firm in its resolve to continue its mission."

Logan-Owens said the nonprofit hospital will continue to examine its options in light of the ruling.

It is unclear how the ruling will affect Tuomey's planned merger with Palmetto Health of Columbia.

For more on this developing story, see Friday's issue of the The Sumter Item.

 

Statement from Tuomey Healthcare System

In response to today's court decision from the 4th Circuit to uphold the lower court's ruling, Tuomey Healthcare System remains committed to improving operations and ensuring the future of strong community healthcare in the Sumter region.

"We are disappointed," said Tuomey President & CEO Michelle Logan-Owens. "However, for more than 100 years we have been providing healthcare services in this community, and we stand firm in our resolve to continue our mission. I am confident that we will find an appropriate resolution which will allow Tuomey to close this chapter and emerge strongly and successfully in our potential collaboration with Palmetto Health."

Tuomey has 45 days to request reconsideration by the full court, and officials said they will review the decision over the next few days and consider its options with legal counsel.  Tuomey will also continue settlement discussions with the government in light of this new decision.

Board Vice Chairman Roy Creech also praised the renewed enthusiasm and focus on operations brought on by the appointment of Logan-Owens as CEO.

"We have excellent leadership in place and a strong partnership coming," Creech said. "Tuomey will be here to continue providing quality care to our community."

Brenda Peyton Chase

Director, Public Relations

 

Click below to read the court ruling.