Panel recommends company to run Winchester House
A panel reviewing proposals from two private nursing home providers to take over operations at the Winchester House in Libertyville has recommended a Minneapolis-based company to run the county-owned home.
A presentation to the board will be made next week explain why the panel believes Health Dimensions Group is the most qualified company to manage the day-to-day operations.
Board Chairman David Stolman said the company has a proven track record of improving the quality of care at its 22 nursing facilities that it manages and has a history of retaining current employees during the transitions.
Health Dimensions Group would not be required to hire the county’s workers, however. If approved, the county would retain ownership and oversight of the facility.
The recommendation was made by a panel of health care professionals and county personnel. The other bid came from Prism Healthcare, which runs six facilities in Illinois.
About four years ago the board decided to tear down Winchester House and build a smaller and more specialized center nearby, but those plans stalled.