The following hospital mergers, acquisitions and general transaction news took place within the past week, beginning with the most recent.
1. OhioHealth to Acquire O'Bleness Health System
Columbus-based OhioHealth and Athens, Ohio-based O'Bleness Health System signed a memorandum of understanding for O'Bleness to merge with OhioHealth.
2. St. Francis Care in Connecticut Opts Out of Merger With Ascension Health Care Network
Hartford, Conn.-based St. Francis Care allowed its letter of intent to integrate with St. Louis-based Ascension Health Care Network to expire.
3. Washington Hospital, UCSF Medical Center Strike Affiliation Deal
Fremont, Calif.-based Washington Hospital Health System will form a strategic relationship with UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco, intended to enhance specialty services and clinical training for Washington Hospital patients and staff.
4. Bankruptcy Judge to Consider Barnwell Hospital Sale After Court Ruling
Stakeholders in the proposed sale of publicly owned Barnwell (S.C.) County Hospital await a U.S. bankruptcy court judge's decision regarding the county board's disputed authority to approve the sale after the state Supreme Court ruled last month members had violated duties and restrictions of their post.
5. Roseland Hospital in Chicago in Talks to Partner
Two hospitals in the Chicago area are in talks to buy Roseland Hospital, a safety-net hospital in financial distress.
6. HMA Signs Letter of Intent to Lease Munroe Regional Medical Center
Naples, Fla.-based Health Management Associates signed a letter of intent to lease Munroe Regional Medical Center, a 421-bed public hospital in Ocala, Fla.
7. Houston Healthcare, Central Georgia to Affiliate, Stay Independent
Health system leaders shared details of a previous vague announcement of an alliance between Warner Robins, Ga.-based Houston Healthcare and Macon-based The Medical Center of Central Georgia, saying the two systems will partner in a formal affiliation while retaining their independence.
8. Louisiana Commission Reverses Decision, OKs Private Takeovers of LSU Hospitals
The Louisiana Civil Service Commission approved the privatization plans of four public hospitals within Baton Rouge-based Louisiana State University just days after it rejected the same plan.
9. Eastern Kentucky Healthcare Coalition Adds UK HealthCare, St. Mary’s Medical Center
Lexington, Ky.-based UK HealthCare and Huntington, W.Va.-based St. Mary's Medical Center joined the Eastern Kentucky Healthcare Coalition, an integrated provider network formed last August that already includes three other hospitals.