Landmark Lays Off Another 22 People, Prime Seeks Extension On Filing To Buy Hospital

Landmark Medical Center layed off 22 additional people yesterday as the latest company seeking to buy the struggling hospital sought an extension on the deadline to file to purchase the facility.

The Providence Journal reports Landmark cited declining patient volume as the reason for the layoffs. The paper also reported that Prime Healthcare, which announced its intent to buy Landmark Sept. 28, is advising Landmark officials.

On Oct. 30, Landmark layed off 31 people.

The Providence Business News reports Prime Healthcare has asked for an extension on the Nov. 25 deadine to file its application to purchase the hospital with the state, to ensure that the application is complete.

This is the first reported request for an extension on the purchase application process for Prime Healthcare since it announced its renewed interest in buying the facility. The last prospective buyer for the hospital, Steward Healthcare, asked for numerous extensions and missed deadlines before backing out of its bid to buy the hospital Sept. 28.  

In May 2011, Prime Healthcare backed out of its first bid to purchase the hospital, citing an impasse with Blue Cross Blue Shield, which the insurer denied, referencing a letter from Prime accepting their terms.

Prime Healthcare has vowed to continue operating Landmark Medical Center as an acute care hospital serving the needs of the community, including the emergency department and to continue offering charity care at the existing levels, or more.