EA Conway, Management, Changes, Monroe, Thompson - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

MONROE, LA. (KNOE 8 News) - Earlier this week talks of a management takeover of one Monroe hospital by another in the city, came to a halt.

We're learning that's because another firm was looking at managing EA Conway, and the state's other public hospitals.

Senator Francis Thompson says,"we can't afford to lose such a valuable gem."

After state budget cuts, the LSU Hospital System is seeking a private management company to take over. Thompson says, "this is just an innovative way to operate hospitals more efficiently. What we want to do is make sure we find the best partner."

Friday Biomedical Research Foundation, of Northwest Louisiana will vote on whether they want to start the process to take over management of LSU Public Hospitals. Thompson says,  "board members that represent this foundation would determine direction and funding needs. They have experience, knowledge, and know how."

Biomedical has supported the LSU Public Hospitals the past 20 years, by giving $46 million to help purchase technology. Thompson says, "we're excited about that opportunity."

Thompson says the management change will not effect people EA Conway employs and serves. He says, "it's the same clientele that we're serving now. We'll also try to be more attract to those that have insurance. We have an obligation to take care of those."

Thompson believes this is a sign of better things to come. He says, "it will give us an opportunity to grow, bigger and better. It will allow us to service more people and give better services to the needy in this area."

LSU Hospital supervisors will have the ultimate decision about the management changes. The change in management could be months away. EA Conway had been in talks with Monroe's St. Frances about a possible management agreement prior to this latest development.