Kansas City, Mo. ? In a letter Friday, a coalition of 15 community groups urged Health Midwest to gather a diverse panel to lead the foundations the hospital chain said it would set up to administer the proceeds of the company’s proposed sale to HCA Inc.

The Concerned Community Coalition suggested a board of directors of no more than 20 members from diverse geographic and ethnic backgrounds to head the foundations in Missouri and Kansas.

“There is tremendous concern that potential outcomes of the proposed sale could result in diminished health-care services available to the community, particularly the urban core,” the letter said.

The coalition also is seeking higher nurse-staffing levels.

“We believe we have negotiated covenants with HCA and put forward a foundation plan that together are responsive to the community needs expressed over the last several months,” Health Midwest spokesman Chris Whitley said.

“We believe they address many of the key concerns of this group. We continue to value the public’s input on this process.”

On Friday, Missouri Atty. Gen. Jay Nixon scheduled a third hearing in Kansas City to discuss the proposed sale. The hearing will take place Dec. 28 at Southwest High School in Kansas City.