Is there a buyer for Forum Health?

A Tennessee-based hospital operator is the only suitor for Forum Health that has opened discussions with one of its unions, an official said.

Ardent Health Services, which operates seven hospitals in three states, has been involved with “minor discussions” with the union, said Tom Connelly, who represents nurses at Trumbull Memorial Hospital.

“It’s just been a matter of who they are and getting to know each other. We have not had anything of substance in the form of negotiations,” said Connelly, president of Local 2026 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Forum Health also operates Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital in Howland and Northside Medical Center in Youngstown.

For the complete story, see Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.