Salem hospital seeks protection

SALEM - A southern Indiana hospital has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection but says it will remain open while it seeks an agreement with a company to run the hospital.

Washington County Memorial Hospital in Salem said that Tuesday's bankruptcy court filing ensures continued service and no disruption of patient care.

The hospital's operator, Critical Access Health Services Corp., said in a statement that it will negotiate for Indianapolis-based St. Vincent Health or another company to operate the hospital. St. Vincent will provide management services during the reorganization, Critical Access Health stated.

St. Vincent is partnered with St. Vincent Jennings Hospital in North Vernon.

Critical Access said in the bankruptcy petition that the Washington County Hospital had assets between $1 million and $10 million and debts between $10 million and $50 million.