Anyone Want to Buy a Hospital?
Lassen Owners Approach County on Purchase Deal
March 13th, 1958

Lassen county supervisors this week received a proposal from the owners of the Riverside Hospital to lease the property and purchase the equipment.

Here is the letter received From Drs. C.I. Burnett and J.W. Crever, Jr., owners of the private institution: "Having provided hospital service for this community for the last 14 years and having requested help without success several years ago, we are forced to evaluate our present position and find ourselves in serious financial difficulties.  We have had financial reverses in operating the hospital during the last two years. This is the result of economic factors and harsh criticism of our present facilities. Substantial improvements to our facilities at high cost have not increased our profit.”

“Our net profit for last year was $900, with a loss of $400 during the last three months of the year. Our loss for January, 1958 alone was $160.”

"There are many who believe that a private hospital can compete on an equal basis with a modern tax supported institution.  This is a fallacy.” 

“We believe it is the responsibility of the county to take over the operation of the Riverside Hospital for two reasons. 1. The supervisors have voted to apply the Hill Burton funds to provide a general hospital for this area, signifying a feeling of responsibility for hospital care.  2. The Riverside Hospital has furnished surgical service in this community to county patients for several years since there have been no surgical facilities at the county hospital.” 

“We think that the board should give us a written statement on its plans for hospital care in Susanville until a new facility is constructed. We further request a written answer by March 15 so that we may arrange our financial budget accordingly."