HealthSouth CEO calls digital hospital a ‘pipe dream’

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—- HealthSouth CEO Jay Grinney concluded his testimony today by criticizing Richard Scrushy’s decision during his time at the company.

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When asked about the unfinished digital hospital on Highway 280, Grinney said, “It was a pipe dream and a figment of the imagination. It never had a chance.“

Grinney testifed on Wednesday that HealthSouth would have had to forego investments in all of the company’s other 93 hospital for 2 to 3 years to finish the digital hospital.

Earlier, Scrushy’s attorney raised questions about fraud claims at another company where Grinney worked before coming to HealthSouth.

Grinney pointed out the company settled claims with federal government without admitting to fraud.

Scrushy is on trial over civil claims filed by HealthSouth shareholders that he directed a $2.7 billion fraud at the company.

A criminal jury acquitted Scrushy of similar charges in 2005.

He’s expected to take the stand for the first time regarding the fraud in his defense in this trial next week.