THIS WEEK the Hospital Authority  announced its support of plans by Catoosa and Walker counties to back consolidation of Hutcheson Hospital's debt through the issuance of bonds.

They also agreed to explore alternative long term operating strategies, including leasing the Fort Oglethorpe operation to a hospital entity.

Hutcheson reported a loss for the month of March, but that was expected, according to CEO Roger Forgey. Earnings for March reflect a 1.6 million dollar improvement over the same month a year ago. It's the fourth consecutive month that the hospital has performed "better than budget."