Measure X approved for Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital’s lease-to-own agreement
HOLLISTER, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The San Benito Health Care District (the “District”) announced Monday that Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital's Measure X was approved by voters.
This means that the District can now negotiate a lease-to-own agreement with a separate healthcare provider, according to Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital.
“With this vote, we can now proceed with negotiations and finalize an agreement with Insight to support a seamless transition and maintain high-quality care for our residents," wrote Board President Jerri Hernandez in a press statement.
The approval of Measure X will allow the District to move forward with a sale or lease of its assets, which means that Hazel Hawkins will likely see long-term stability, according to the hospital.
"Hazel Hawkins, which has faced serious financial challenges since 2022, will benefit from a significant capital infusion, expansion of healthcare services, and a robust physician recruitment program through its anticipated partnership with Insight," wrote the hospital in a press statement.
Measure X has been met with some controversy since the hospital announced its potential lease-to-own agreement with Insight Health System earlier this year.
Insight released a statement saying that they plan to retain staff and invest in crucial equipment and facility upgrades.
"Seeing the public support for the measure, we’re excited to move forward with the San Benito Health Care District and Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital and get to work transforming the hospital into a beacon of the community offering patient care second to none for all," wrote Director of Public Policy and Government Relations for Insight Health Systems Dayne Walling in a statement.
"Over the next few months, the District and Insight will finalize the terms and transition plans, with updates provided in upcoming public meetings to ensure transparency and community engagement throughout the process," wrote the hospital.