Former SCMC Foundation chair: "… transfer was legal and appropriate."

Editor:

Questions have been raised in the community concerning recent measures undertaken with the South Coast Medical Center Foundation. I'd like to set the record straight on this important issue: The medical office building/foundation transaction was a necessary step in the process of selling the hospital and was in compliance with the original agreements between the parties, as confirmed by the Foundation's own attorney.

Adventist Health's attorney described the legal basis and reasons for the transition at the last Foundation board meeting, and the Foundation's attorney confirmed to the board that the transfer was legal and appropriate.

Following unsubstantiated allegations by a few individuals, I stated publicly, as the Foundation Chairman, that the actions were legal and above-board. The Attorney General, the state's highest law enforcement officer, will be reviewing the entire transaction to ensure that the assets are appropriately handled as part of the sale.

Our priority remains a successful completion of the sale transaction with the non-profit bidder, which has the resources to continue operating South Coast Medical Center in Laguna Beach, a goal shared by the City Council and the community. It would be unfortunate if erroneous statements by a handful of individuals - although they may be well meaning - have the unintended consequence of delaying or even endangering the transfer of the hospital to the qualified non-profit buyer.

Cecil Spearman Former SCMC Foundation Chairman