Petition Seeks To Dissolve District

Less than a month after the reopening of the East Shoshone Hospital District’s Silverton hospital, some residents have kicked off a petition drive aimed at dissolving the entire hospital district.

“People are disgruntled about all the lawsuits, and the fact that the hospital’s doors keep opening and closing,” said Barbara Miller of the People’s Action Coalition. “They’re saying we cannot afford two hospitals and duplicate services in the Valley.”

The coalition is sponsoring the drive along with the People’s Group, a Wallace civic organization.

The former Day Hospital, newly renamed the Silver Valley Medical Center, lies about 10 miles east of Shoshone Medical Center.

East Shoshone Hospital District Board Chairman Robin Stanley said the Silverton hospital has exceeded patient census projections and home health revenue projections since its opening. Costs have been less than projected.

“I’m elated by our success. But the fate of the district is a decision local patrons will have to make,” he said.

The petition, filed on November 28, requests a special election to let local voters decide if the East Shoshone Hospital District should be dissolved. To get the issue on the ballot in May, 376 qualified signatures must be collected by March 3.