LOUISVILLE, KY. (WDRB) -- The University of Louisville and University Medical Center are still working on a possible merger that would combine resources with other healthcare organizations.
On Thursday, the university's board of trustees held a closed door meeting to talk about request for proposals (RFPs).
"The board of trustees of the University of Louisville was briefed on the joint UMC/UofL RFP process, said Vice President of Health Affairs Dr. David Dunn.
Hospital officials say a national consulting firm recently issued a report that concluded a merger is crucial for the future of U of L and University Medical Center.
Dr. Dunn said, "The report demonstrated with complete definition...so absolute definition that UMC can not remain viable as our primary teaching hospital without a health system partner."
The hospitals attempted to merge with a Catholic health system several months ago, but the deal was vetoed by Governor Steve Beshear. Attorney general Jack Conway then outlined the commonwealth's concerns.
"We heard what the governor and the attorney general and the public said loud and clear." Dunn says the goal is simply to find a viable health system partner. "To assist us in terms of finance, operations and more importantly perhaps providing a statewide network with primary care physicians and other providers."
In doing so, the plan is to address the issues or concerns raised when the last proposed merger was blocked, that includes womens' health.
"We intend and will maintain the center for women and infants at UMC; the care that's provided there will continue to be provided under any health and new relationship."
The governor must first approve any deal before a merger can take place.
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