The Uvalde Memorial Hospital Board met on Monday night, convening at about  6 PM, April 11th for a called meeting and approved the asset purchase agreed upon by Dr. Jones of Clear Springs Cancer Center. Additionally, the board approved additional asbestos removal from the old hospital building in the amount of $36,000. The board met for over four hours with over three hours spent in a closed executive session. 

  According to UMH Tom Nordwick, additional asbestos was done on the 25th of March and more asbestos was found by the use of test holes in the exterior brickwork of the old hospital building.

  Asbestos was identified in the waterproofing under the brickwork. The additional $36,000 approval would be used to gather and dispose of the asbestos properly. Since the City of Uvalde landfill does not accept asbestos materials, the materials would likely have to be hauled to a landfill in San Antonio.

  Following the meeting, UMH board member Ben Elliott commented on the issue of the grounds where the old hospital facility currently exists.

 He stated “Future plans have been discussed at length, even while we were planning the new hospital, to best utilize the roughly 200 acres UMH has been entrusted with.  We envision a ‘medical campus’ in our Master Plan to include new services and facilities down the road as opportunity and the need arise.”

   “Many may not like the plans for a new and expanded parking lot where our beloved old hospital currently sits, but we envision a park-like atmosphere so patients, family, and employees alike can get out and enjoy the greenery and foliage, in addition to having sufficient parking spaces for all who come to the new facility.” He said.

“Truly, I realize the sentimental/emotional attachment to the old hospital.  Heck, my little brother and I were born there!  So, that’s not lost on me.  But, many problems and deficiencies exist throughout the facility and it’s cost prohibitive for UMH, or anyone else, as we have to work within the current standards for medical care, which are constantly changing and must be adhered to in order for us to operate.  We all hate to see it go, but as Dr. Watkins so honestly stated at the grand opening after his history lesson of our community hospital, ‘The only thing that’s constant, is change’.” Elliott said.

  After an ongoing negotiation process now well into the second year between Clear Springs Cancer Center and the UMH board, a contractual agreement is close to becoming a reality according to Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Charles A. Brooks said in a telephone interview with the Uvalde Hesperian on Monday, April 11th.

  According to Brooks, Dr. David Jones, the owner of Clear Springs and UMH are in the final stages of the negotiation process with the goal for UMH to assume ownership and operations. “When all is said and done, he feels this commitment by UMH to provide continuance of care for cancer patients in the surrounding area is a positive outcome.” Brooks said. 

 Dr. Brooks released a statement summarizing significant points in the transition.

   “There will be continuity of cancer care for our community.   I  am planning on remaining in Uvalde and providing ongoing care for both new and existing cancer patients.

  Clear Springs will remain open under the “Clear Springs” moniker, same phone number and same fax.  Anticipated date of transfer to Hospital ownership and operations is May 1, 2022.

  Existing Clear Springs staff will have the opportunity to remain at the facility as employees of UMH.  The relationship with the Hospital will allow Clear Springs to purchase new state-of-the art software and equipment.

  There will be continuation of the nine-county catchment area that was part of the original Marmion Regional Cancer Center directive, formulated more than ten years ago.  “Rides to Radiation” will continue to provide services for those patients that request transportation “