UMC open to mediation with El Paso Children’s Hospital

University Medical Center officials say they are once again reaching out to El Paso Children’s Hospital to continue negotiations to solve the massive debt.

Wednesday’s special board meeting ended with UMC Board Chair William Hanson, Vice Chair Laura Ponce and Secretary Brother Nicolas Gonzalez addressing the media. They want people to know that UMC is willing to go back to the drawing board with Children’s.

“UMC has offered them a path, a fighting chance to survive,” Public Affairs Director Ryan Mielke said. “If you read the term sheet, that’s what it is, a fighting chance to survive. If they take that chance, we would love to partner with them. We would love to walk shoulder to shoulder towards success with that hospital.”

UMC has now set a new timeline for El Paso Children’s Hospital: Either by the end of this week or beginning of next, they want to meet for final negotiations. UMC officials said in order for that to happen, both sides need to communicate with each other.

The looming March 25 deadline for UMC to cut off non-clinical support services to Children’s stands.

UMC officials say the amount they’re owed is now in the $90 millions and time is of the essence. They’re only hoping Children’s officials aren’t considering one option.

“El Paso should not have to see the Children’s Hospital with such a wonderful vision and mission declare bankruptcy,” Mielke said.

Not a single Children’s board member was at Wednesday’s meeting and as you know, ABC-7 has been reaching out for comment.