1980-2000’s

Recent History and the New Hospital

The hospital went through a series of owners over the next two decades (1980-2000’s).

Chanco merged with American Medical Enterprises to become American Medical International. AMI built new doctor’s offices nearby, and expanded the hospital’s technological capabilities.

In 1988, AMI helped 15 of its hospitals form an employee-owned firm, EPIC, which was eventually acquired by Health Trust in 1993.

In 1995, healthcare giant Columbia/HCA acquired the hospital. Columbia/HCA was on a rapid growth pattern, and overextended itself. In March 1998, Columbia/HCA officials announced that, unless a buyer was found for the hospital, it would close in 90 days.

At that time, although the hospital served patients from throughout the north county, it was still primarily considered to be a Healdsburg institution.   Dan Rose, a Healdsburg physician nearing retirement, decided not to let the hospital close.   A number of groups were formed to investigate buying the hospital from Columbia/HCA, but Rose’s group got the blessing to negotiate exclusively with Columbia/HCA.   The community raised $500,000 by the end of October, 1998, and the purchase was completed the following month, using the city of Healdsburg’s tax-exempt bond capability. A new Chief Executive Officer, Ed Bland, was hired.