Tulare hospital severs ties with longtime management company HCCA, ushering in new era

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Cheers echoed for the first time in months from Tulare Regional Medical Center.

Board members say a hospital shrouded in controversy is finally leaving the dark days behind.

"This is a new day, a new chapter, this hospital is going to be better than it's ever been before.

After a rocky three year relationship the hospital broke free from a contract with the people who run it. Elated former employees took a victory lap to celebrate.

"Our community needs it and we are going to get it back stronger than ever," said Diet Aide Melissa Waters.

The Healthcare District and Management Group, Healthcare Conglomerate Associates, have been at odds for months.

In September, HCCA announced it did not have the money to pay workers, leading the hospital to declare bankruptcy and eventually shut down.

"We weren't getting any information, our CEO was just completely gone, he would not keep in contact with us, would not tell us what was going on."

A federal judge ordered HCCA to turn over the keys Wednesday, where a joyous crowd welcomed in new leadership.

"It's a pretty emotional, uplifting event tonight, gives us truly something to be thankful for tomorrow on Thanksgiving Day," said TRMC Board President Kevin Northcraft.

The hospital is also beginning to accept applications to rebuild its staff--something else, the former and future employees are grateful for.