Luzerne County Council OKs Tenor Health's financing proposal for Wilkes-Barre General Hospital

All 11 members of Luzerne County council voted Tuesday night to approve Tenor Health Foundation's financing proposal to purchase Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

County spokeswoman Colleen Connolly confirmed that the council authorized Tenor’s plan to borrow up to $72 million in tax-exempt revenue bonds to finance its planned acquisition of the hospital. Tenor also proposed to pay Luzerne County $850,000 annually as part of a payment in lieu of taxes, or PILOT, agreement.

U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan said the council’s approval marks a big step in Tenor's plans to purchase Commonwealth Health hospitals in Wilkes-Barre and Scranton. Officials have said they expect that deal to close before the end of this year.

“This is another encouraging step toward bringing real stability back to healthcare in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties,” Bresnahan said. “Wilkes-Barre General, Moses Taylor and Regional Hospital are cornerstones of our community, and the people who work and seek care there deserve a system that puts the patients and staff first. I appreciate the Luzerne County Council’s hard work to move this process forward, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure this transition strengthens care, protects local jobs, and delivers the quality health services our families rely on every day.”

Tenor CEO Radha Savitala also supported the council’s vote.

“Tonight’s vote is an important step in our effort to ensure patients receive the dependable, community-centered care they count on,” Savitala said. “We are grateful to Rep. Bresnahan and the Luzerne County Council for their collaboration and continued involvement in maintaining quality healthcare access for Northeastern Pennsylvania. We look forward to continuing to work with Rep. Bresnahan, the Luzerne County Council and local leaders and stakeholders as we move toward a stronger future for these hospitals."

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