Sturgis Hospital says they have found a way to keep their doors open.

Wednesday night, Sturgis Hospital Board Vice President Joe Haas shared with the Sturgis City Commission that the Hospital is at a point where they may have to file bankruptcy because they have not been able to find a partner. Haas says finding a partner has been a priority for many years, and even more so over the last four years.

Haas says that a new opportunity has come along that may be the saving grace for Sturgis Hospital, which is converting it to a Rural Emergency Hospital. He says this is something they have been begging governmental leaders to allow because it will allow rural communities to sustain hospitals.

Legislation has been passed by the State of Michigan allowing hospitals to become a Rural Emergency Hospital. But the law doesn’t go into effect until January 1, 2023, and Haas says that creates a new problem for Sturgis Hospital.

Haas says the Legislation will only allow hospitals that are currently providing in patients services to convert to Rural Emergency Hospitals. He says Sturgis Hospital has to find a way to stay open until January 1, 2023 before they convert to a Rural Emergency Hospital.

Haas says they have been communicating with Senator Kim LaSata, and she says Sturgis Hospital may be able to receive $15 million in the upcoming budget. But they wouldn’t know if the money is available until June 30. If it is available and can be given to the Hospital, Haas say LaSata would work to get that expedited to Sturgis Hospital as soon as possible.

In the meantime, Haas says Sturgis Hospital would like to ask the City of Sturgis for a loan of $645,000 to sustain them until they can get the money from the State.

The City Commission will meet next Wednesday in a special session to consider the Hospital’s request.