Mid-Columbia Medical Center CEO Dennis Knox expects the hospital’s process of looking for a partner, and deciding whether to take one on, to be methodical but also should be wrapped up in late spring.  Knox says they had have had about 20 preliminary inquiries as they work with a firm that specializes in this area, and are beginning to talk with interested parties.  Knox says the process will probably take until the end of May to make a decision, adding it is possible they will choose not to partner with anyone at all and remain independent.  Knox noted the firm they are working with has helped about 250 not-for-profit hospitals do similar searches, and about half have decided to stay independent.