HUNTINGTON PARK — Community Hospital, which filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last spring after struggling financially for several years, has been purchased by Avanti Hospitals, based in Manhattan Beach.

“The hospital was moments away from going out of business. We hope to keep it open,” said Avanti principal Joel L. Freedman of the 89-bed facility at 2162 E. Slauson Ave.

He said the sale is expected to go through by March 15 if the bankruptcy court approves.

“We are very committed to keeping the hospital open to the community. We think Community Hospital can be a wonderful hospital, but it needs a structural upgrade. We will seek state help for that,” Freedman said in comments before the City Council Monday night.

He said Avanti is interested in buying a sister facility, Mission Hospital, 3111 E. Florence Ave., but the current owner did not have clear title to it. Avanti also owns Memorial Hospital in Gardena.

Freedman introduced Araceli Lonergan, chief executive officer at another Avanti facility, East Los Angeles Doctors Hospital, 4060 E. Whittier Blvd. She will be the administrator at Community, he said.

Gale Scanland, who said she has been employed at Community Hospital for 47 years, called on the new owners to “maintain all services.”

She said she is a member of Service Employees International Union, which is in negotiations with Avanti for a new contract.

Union leaders and elected officials from nearby communities picketed both Community and Mission hospitals last Friday protesting what they said were severe changes in the union contract for hospital employees.

The changes, ranging from salary cuts to immediate termination, could have a profound effect on the care and services provided at the facility, union officials said.

David Kaye, the administrator last spring for the owners, Karykeion, Inc., said the hospital had a 320-member staff, plus some 50 affiliate physicians.

Dan Ansel is the current administrator for Karykeion, Inc. said Freedman. He said the emergency room is still in operation.