WELLMONT HEALTH SYSTEM OFFICIALS HAVE MADE A PITCH TO UNICOI COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL LEADERS TO PARTNER WITH THEM. THEY HAVE PROPOSED BUYING 50.1 PERCENT TO 90 PERCENT OF THE HOSPITAL AND BUILDING A NEW MEDICAL CENTER MOSTLY LIKELY IN UNICOI COUNTY. THE DECISION IS NOW IN THE HANDS OF THE UNICOI HOSPITAL BOARD OF CONTROL. WELLMONT BELIEVES IT CAN INCREASE THE NUMBER OF DISCHARGES FROM A THOUSAND TO FOUR THOUSAND A YEAR AND CREATE UP TO 200 NEW JOBS. THE BOARD IS EXPECTED TO DISCUSS THE MATTER FURTHER AT ITS REGULAR MEETING ON APRIL 21ST.