Miami-based Jackson Health System turning to high-priced consultants

Struggling to improve its difficult financial situation, Miami-based Jackson Health System is planning to hire a firm of high-priced consultants. James R. Malone, managing partner of Qorval consulting services, will serve as Jackson's interim chief operating officer at a rate of $595 an hour for the next nine months. Barry Dubin will become chief restructuring officer, at $425 an hour. Altogether, Qorval could get up to $1.8 million for the services of three to six consultants in the next nine months. The contract was approved unanimously by a committee of the Public Health Trust and is expected to be accepted by the full trust board at its meeting later this month.