A supportive team of mothers, fathers and children spoke before the board in support of Hanks and described her as a dedicated and trusted doctor. The group collectively said they would take their children out of town to see a pediatrician if Hanks is forced to leave. She has a case load that's unbelievable, and if she leaves, you're putting her caseload onto others who already are busy. In defense of its position in the current negotiations on retaining the specialist, the medical center released a statement last week. According to the medical center, currently managed by St. Luke's Regional Medical Center under an interim agreement for a takeover, the board previously approved a contract that included a public subsidy to implement Hanks' income while she built her practice in the valley with the understanding that the amount would decrease as Hanks' practice increased.
Negotiations are ongoing.
In other business, the board approved the final budget for 1999 pending approval by the city of Sun Valley and Blaine County. The hospital is currently co-owned by Sun Valley and Blaine County, though managed by St. Luke's until it takes over when the new hospital at Cold Springs is completed. Proposed is a rate increase of 2.75 and 2 percent respectively for Medicare and Medicaid payments, and a 4.5 percent increase for other payers. Express Publishing Inc. All Rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Express Publishing Inc. is prohibited.