Lawmaker wants answers about Platinum Healthcare in Mexico and Fulton

MEXICO, Mo. (KMIZ)

A state lawmaker wants answers about the future of hospitals in Mexico and Fulton.

In a letter dated Dec. 20, the state health department says Platinum Healthcare had exhausted all of its options when it comes to the suspension of the temporary license.

State Rep. Kent Haden, of Mexico, is left with more answers than questions.

According to Haden, it became clear Platinum Health wasn't going to keep its promise to pay the back pay for employees or to meet the requirements by the state in order to reopen the hospital.

ABC 17 news emailed Platinum Health and West Corp Healthcare asking what their current plans for the buildings are and the status of back pay for employees. They have not replied at last check.

Haden also wants to know where the money that was raised by the community of Mexico went that was raised to help cover the pay of the hospital staff.

"We've got a lot of people work two and three months and weren't paid. we've got businesses in town that helped raise money for payroll… Some pretty sizable contribution made two days before they closed,” Haden said. “The county gave a million and a half dollars (in) ARPA money to help them out. “

And it just isn't the communities of Mexico and Fulton, the surrounding communities that has clinics and doctor offices connected to Noble Health are without staff as well.

ABC 17 reached out the mayor of Fulton, the Rural Hospital Association and Platinum Health to get their reaction to the latest developments and have yet to hear back.