Mountain View Hospital in Madras announces they hope to become part of the St. Charles Health System.

Mountain View CEO Jeanie Gentry explains that it's not a merger.  "If we were a private corporation, it would be called a merger. But in technical terms, a public agency or organization like we are can't technically merge with a private nonprofit. What we can do it transfer our assets to them." 

Gentry says the past several years have been economically difficult for them and with the patient base they serve; they do not see things improving in the future.  She adds they believe that becoming part of the St. Charles System, they can maintain and even improve their services. 

They are holding two informational open houses about the proposal at the hospital next Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. and Thursday at 11 a.m.  The Board members will be available to answer questions.  Hospital leaders hope to make the move official by the end of the year.