North Kansas City Hospital one step closer to potential sale

NORTH KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Two legal rulings are seen as a win-win for both North Kansas City Hospital and the city of North Kansas City, which wants to sell it.

A Clay County judge ruled the city is barred from selling the hospital pending the outcome of litigation. However, the judge did rule the city can appoint new members to the hospital's board of trustees.

North Kansas City Hospital sued the city trying to stop the hospital's sale. The suit also sought to block the city's appointment of new board members which, the hospital saw as the city's way of gaining support for a potential deal.

"We are pleased that Judge Alexander has stopped the city from taking any direct action to sell the hospital," Peggy Schmitt, hospital president and CEO said in a statement Tuesday. "We are optimistic that any new board members appointed by the city will support the continuation of North Kansas City Hospital as a community hospital."

The city of North Kansas City released the following statement after the ruling:

“We appreciate the Court's swift decision in this matter and its confirmation of North Kansas City's authority to appoint members to the North Kansas City Hospital Board of Trustees, as provided by state law, city ordinance and Hospital bylaws. Our hope is to have a more meaningful discussion and a rational, thoughtful, and objective evaluation of the Hospital.  It is in everyone's best interests to protect North Kansas City Hospital and ensure that it is best positioned to remain a vibrant part of our community well into the future.”