UMC’s deadline for Children’s Hospital proposal expires

El Paso Childrens Hospital’s deadline to accept University Medical Center’s terms to manage its massive debt has expired.

But the war of words between the two hospitals continues.

ABC-7 received a release from UMC Friday afternoon stating the offer to accept the proposal to help Children’s survive as a separately licensed nonprofit hospital with a separate board, medical staff and CEO, had come and gone.

UMC Board Chairman William Hanson said in the statement: “Today we know our proposal was not accepted. The UMC board of managers will now explore its options on how to move forward after this disappointing turn of events.”

Hanson added: “UMC has provided services that Children’s abruptly stopped paying for — but continued to utilize. The notice of cessation of services remains in effect and as of March 25, UMC will cease providing certain non-clinical services. After accepting services they have not paid for, we’re hearing claims in the media that Children’s was somehow pressured into signing standard agreements years ago, for services and more. I have trouble believing that any credible board or board member of an institution, the size, importance and complexity of Children’s, would make such a claim.”

UMC also put out what it calls a “Facts Sheet,” stating why it thinks it can save Children’s, pointing out Children’s now has its fourth CEO in two years, that UMC has provided financial support, recruited half of Children’s doctors, built a first class Children’s hospital and its goal remains to have a Children’s hospital in El Paso.

Attempts by abc-7 to reach Children’s Hospital Board Chair Rosemary Castillo Friday were unsuccessful, despite numerous calls, messages and texts to her cell phone.

Castillo has said previously the board had discussed possibly seeking bankruptcy protection, something members of Commissioners Court have warned against.

ABC-7 spoke with the mother of a teenage cancer patient at Children’s, who is concerned the hospital could be forced to close its doors.

“We really need the hospital here, I mean, there have been so many times when people have had to leave town and the hospital has been great,” said Lyn Gan, whose daughter, Grace, is undergoing chemotherapy at Children’s.”The services here are wonderful, the people are great and we just don’t want anything to stop.”

County Judge Veronica Escobar sent ABC-7 a text stating that while the UMC board chairman has his opinion, she believes they must find “the best solution that will be in the best interest of all El Pasoans.”