MOUNT VERNON — “We’ve come a long way, baby,” said Dr. Robert Westerheide of the journey from Martin Memorial Hospital and Mercy Hospital to Knox Community Hospital. That journey hit a milestone Thursday night as it was announced the final payment on the $29.5 million bond, with 15.5 percent interest, was paid off in June.
“What were you thinking,” Kim Rose joked with the audience, which was made up of men and women who worked to merge the two hospitals as well as their vision for a hospital the community can be proud of. “I want to thank each and every one of you for 29 years of struggles, smiles and dreams.”
Mickey Bilbrey, Quorum Health Resources, vice president, eastern region, applauded KCH’s success not only in paying off the loan, but in its financial status and high level of patient satisfaction. Bilbrey explained to the audience that among its 150 partner hospitals under the QHR umbrella, KCH ranks in the top 10 in net revenue and in the top three in patient satisfaction among its peers.
