Hospital deal pending
Logistics of sale of St. Mary's in East St. Louis puzzling to some

The tension was high at St. Mary’s Hospital in East St. Louis as employees met Aug. 18 with board members of Metropolitan Health Systems, the potential buyer, to discuss their future and the future of the hospital. Employees questioned retirement plans, seniority, benefits and layoffs. Most importantly they wanted to know if they would still have a job after the sale.

Details of the pending sale to Metropolitan Health Systems, Inc., has left many puzzled about business negotiations and ownership of the hospital. An Aug. 1 press release announced that a letter of intent was signed with not-for-profit International Health Systems, Inc., to acquire St. Mary’s Hospital, presently owned and operated by Ancilla Systems of Indiana and sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.

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