A bankruptcy judge in Atlanta on Tuesday denied a motion by Walker County, Ga., is asking a delay in closing Hutcheson Medical Center and laying off employees.
Judge Paul Bonapfel said he appreciated the position of Walker County, but he said he would not interfere with the business decision made by the trustees appointed to operate the Fort Oglethorpe hospital.
He also said that Regions Bank, the major lender to the hospital, strenuously objected to delaying the closing.
The judge also noted that Catoosa County opposed the Walker County motion.
The official closure of the hospital had been set for Dec. 4. It had operated in North Georgia, serving Catoosa, Walker and Dade Counties, for over 60 years.
Chattanooga attorney Stuart James said there are two viable bids for the hospital, including the Prime bid and the Apollo bid. He said the Prime bid was for $7 million cash.
Walker County had asked that the hospital continue to receive patients until at least Dec. 21.
That would allow the purchaser to close on the sale and take over operations without interruption of service, it was stated.
The motion said the bids are contingent on the hospital remaining open.