CLEWISTON - U.S. Sugar Corporation has filed a public records lawsuit to obtain information regarding Hendry Regional Medical Center and Physical Therapy Dynamics, Inc.

"It is unfortunate that this action was necessary. I had hoped that we would be able to get beyond the lawyers and the stonewalling on providing critical information on the operations of the hospital and sit down and work together to ensure the future of our local hospital," said Robert Coker, senior vice president, Public Affairs. "But for some reason, the hospital is reluctant to disclose important information on their operations."

According to Mr. Coker, the public hospital has repeatedly refused to make available information that, by law, is supposed to be made available to the public. Numerous requests for information, including information related to physical therapy services, have been stonewalled by the hospital, according to Mr. Coker.

"This information is essential to making good decisions regarding the future administration and operation of our local hospital," Coker said. "If everything is in good order, we see no reason why the hospital should not comply with the law and make these public records public."

Over the last several months, a blue-ribbon panel of local business leaders has been analyzing the operations of the hospital after its precarious financial standing was brought to light with a 25 percent raise in ad valorem taxes in order to fund the increasing deficits of the community hospital.

In addition to the sharp increase in local property taxes, the hospital used the proceeds from the sale of the Eckerd/CVS property that was to be put in a special building fund for a new, modern community hospital to fund the increasing deficits.

"This situation raises serious questions about the future of the hospital and of quality health care in our community," Mr. Coker said. "If we want to enjoy the benefits of having a community hospital in Clewiston in the future, the citizens of Clewiston better get involved now."