The Dr. John Warner Hospital Board is set to hear from a pair of management firms they are considering this Thursday.

The important meeting has been moved to the Richland Community College Clinton Education Center to accommodate, what they hope, is a good crowd. Board member Joanna Holtman explains the two companies have been asked to present on several topics already given to them by the Hospital Board.

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The process of getting down to two management firms has been going on since last fall. According to Holtman, they sent out Requests for Proposal, or RFP, and narrowed the list down to two companies based on several factors including cost and the best fit for the city-owned hospital's needs.

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Much has been made in recent weeks about the Hospital board only seeking out management firms, and according to Holtman, the board feels this is the best option. She explains the predominant thought is partnering with an outside hospital would not be best for the community, or the patients of the hospital.

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While the Board recognizes the communities concerns, Holtman indicates Thursday night is not the time to voice those concerns. She says the meeting is strictly about hearing from the two firms they have invited to present, but encourages concerned community members to contact hospital board members to discuss their questions.

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The meeting Thursday evening gets underway at 6 pm at the Richland Community College Clinton Education Center. Holtman says they will receive presentations at 6 pm and 7 pm and have asked each company to keep their presentations to roughly 45 minutes.