NASHVILLE (AP) — Nashville Mayor Megan Barry says an independent third party will assess the finances and governance of Nashville General Hospital.

In a Friday statement announcing the plan, Barry said she is committed to the success of the city's safety-net hospital. She said the assessment will give taxpayers an understanding of how their money is used. It will also help Nashvillians understand the need for a hospital that serves the indigent. And it will help the hospital plan for the future.

The assessment will be led by KraftCPA's Kevin Crumbo, who is donating his time.

Nashville General Hospital has been located at the Meharry Medical College campus since 1998. The relationship provides training for Meharry's medical students and critical care for Nashville residents who can't afford to pay for health care services.