Jellico Regional Hospital remains closed as city nears deal with new provider

JELLICO, Tenn. (WVLT) - Since the city of Jellico formed a hospital in 2020, there have been three providers that have attempted to manage the facility.

The most recent provider, Progressive Health, failed a state inspection, according to Jellico Mayor Sandy Terry, which prompted the hospital to close in March.

“They didn’t have a CEO or administrative person there,” said Terry.

While the Jellico Regional Hospital has been closed for months, last week the city council voted to accept a proposal from Community Hospital Management out of Louisville, Kentucky.

Terry said that this proposal includes a requirement from the new provider that they be classified as an acute care hospital as well as a rural emergency hospital. This would allow Community Hospital Management to receive federal funding.

Community Hospital Management would pull their offer if they aren’t able to receive the federal funding, according to Terry.

The mayor went on to add that she believed the reason other providers have failed in Jellico is because of unrealistic expectations when it comes to the money they feel they can make.

“I think it’s about the money they think they’re going to earn and be able to put in their pocket,” said Terry.

While the city awaits state certification to once again reopen its hospital, some in Jellico are skeptical this time will work after seeing their hospital close off and on for the last four years.

“I’m a little weary because of all the problems they’ve had. Hopefully it will work out. People in this community really need help,” said Jellico resident Helen Smith.

For now, the closest hospital and emergency rooms are located nearly an hour away from Jellico.

Baptist Health Corbin and the LaFollette Medical Center are the next closest facilities.

Terry said that the earliest the hospital could reopen is January.