But city leaders are hopeful that two events of the past week concerning Bridges Medical Services will bring an end to the bickering in the community. Bridges, which includes a clinic and a nursing home, is likely to undergo dramatic changes because of the events. On Tuesday, talks began about turning over operation of the city-owned health facility to Valley Healthcare Inc., a nonprofit enterprise of local members. The city and the nonprofit are working on a lease. And, on Thursday, Bridges administrator Kyle Rasmussen, a lightning rod in the controversy, resigned amid unspecified allegations.
Some people think it's politics over the hospital that are causing the problems.
I don't necessarily agree with that, but we're hoping Valley Healthcare can help. Council member Darin Ramey said that perhaps the rift over the hospital can end now because of the two changes. We've had enough negative press here. As the biggest employer in the county, providing 100 jobs when at full strength, Bridges is an economic kingpin. And it allows residents to receive their medical care locally rather than traveling 50 miles for it.