Hospital system OKs new governance plan

The Greenville Health System Board of Trustees approved a measure today that paves the way for GHS to be part of a larger multi-regional health system. The new structure, approved by a 12-2 vote, will provide GHS and future partners the flexibility needed in today’s changing healthcare environment. Under the approved model, the new multi-regional system will be comprised of new operating affiliates whose activities will be centrally coordinated through a private not-for-profit entity. GHS, which includes the Oconee Memorial Hospital, will remain in existence as a public entity that will lease its facilities to a Greenville-based Upstate affiliate organization that will then be responsible for day-to-day operation and management of clinical care in the Upstate. The entity leasing the GHS assets will be the first affiliate entity in the multi-regional system and will serve as the region’s safety-net provider, providing care to all regardless of their ability to pay. The changeover to the new structure may take some time. GHS has said it will not move to the new structure so long as a petition or case is pending with the state Supreme Court regarding whether GHS has the legal authority to enter into this transaction. Three community leaders – who were also former GHS board members – filed the lawsuit asking that question. GHS has asked the state Supreme Court to accept the case so that the issue can be expeditiously resolved. “The new structure will help us ensure that health care in the Upstate remains local, accessible and high quality in the years to come,” said GHS President and CEO Mike Riordan. “At the end of the day, our vision has always been – and will always be – to improve the health of our communities. We do this not only through direct patient care but also through community outreach and our training of the next generation of physicians, nurses and allied health professionals.” The proposed change has drawn criticism from a handful of Greenville County Legislative Delegation members who want to expand the role of the delegation in overseeing the GHS Board of Trustees. The new system will continue the charitable missions of all involved hospitals, such as Oconee.