What Riverside County’s 180-day stabilization plan means for Blythe’s Palo Verde Hospital

BLYTHE, Calif. (KESQ) - After Palo Verde Healthcare District's approval of Riverside County's 180-day stabilization plan, Blythe officials say the difference is already noticeable.

PVHD approved the plan in February, setting the stage for a county strike team, led by Riverside University Health, to lead administrative duties at the hospital for the next 6 months.

That team includes an interim CEO, executive directors and senior physicians, charged with running hospital management, clinical leadership, staffing support and operational oversight.

Still, the county has been clear they don't own the hospital, rather it's a temporary transition.

"It's not a takeover, so to speak, by the county. It's the county coming in and giving them the financial ability to operate as they should need, and give the board information so they can make decisions," Vice Mayor Johnny Rodriguez said.

Millions in state funding also hopes to alleviate some of the financial pressures.

This week, the county approved a $3.45 million loan to qualify the hospital for a $9.9 million IGT loan.

"It gives them a lot of cash to pay their vendors, pay their staff and supplement any needs that may have been delayed for a while. So it gives them a lot of breathing room for now," Rodriguez said.

Riverside County also has to fill two vacant positions on the board. Officials say one will be chosen by Supervisor Manuel V. Perez, while the other will be voted on in the November general election.

This is a developing story, stick with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.