HH-Crestwood catch-up

Crestwood Medical Center is now officially under the umbrella of the Huntsville Hospital Health System.

Why it matters: Jeff Samz, HHHS CEO, said the move will strengthen the locally-controlled system, driving reinvestment and better coordination across its now 15 hospitals covering 1.5 million people across 15 counties.

How it works: Crestwood approached Huntsville Hospital, Samz said Thursday, kicking off the $450-million sale that was finalized April 1.

• He said $4 million has already been committed for capital investment at Crestwood, which will maintain its name and identity due to its reputation in the community.

Zoom in: All of Crestwood's employees came over to HH, he said, at the same pay rate.

• Nurse pay has been a key concern of the deal, and Samz said planned raises will set starting pay at $29 per hour, and average nurse pay, accounting for extras like overtime, will be $45 per hour starting in July.
• The hospital also doesn't have the nurse market cornered, he argued, saying 53% of nurses in Madison County work in hospitals.
• Samz said he can't dictate what patients are charged, pointing to Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement and negotiations with private insurers as pricing drivers.

What they're saying: "Nobody on our team, self included, makes an extra dollar due to the Crestwood transaction," Samz said.

The intrigue: The conversation got contentious after Michelle Watkins, District 1 council member, expressed concerns about a lack of transparency before the sale was finalized, though Samz said his hands were tied by an NDA.

• Watkins also challenged him on an email request she sent about putting someone from North Huntsville's District 1 on the hospital board, saying Samz's reply was about the "skill set" it takes to be on the board.
• "I absolutely agree with you. There are people in District 1 who are qualified," Samz said. "When we have a vacancy, I would welcome the opportunity to build dialogue with you."