The Oregon Health Authority on April 13 approved Roseville, Calif.-based Adventist Health's acquisition of the Mid-Columbia Medical Center in the Dalles, Ore., according to the Columbia Community Connection.
Four things to know:
1. MCMC is facing significant financial challenges — it posted a $10 million operating loss in 2022, and its days of cash on hand is troubling, according to the report. There are solvency concerns for the hospital if the transaction is not completed. Adventist will assume MCMC's financial obligations and will invest $100 million of capital into MCMC over the next 10 years.
2. MCMC recently suspended oncology services at Celilo Cancer Center due to staffing shortages. The Oregon Health Authority is concerned that MCMC will be forced to cut more services in the next year if these challenges continue, but the proposed acquisition will substantially improve the hospital's financial condition, according to the report.
3. Adventist has committed to maintaining all MCMC's facilities, services and programs, including existing reproductive and end-of-life services. The affiliation will help MCMC attract and maintain physicians and expand services for local communities.
4. MCMC is a nonprofit health system that operates a community hospital, a cancer center and 22 healthcare clinics in the region. It will become a member of Adventist's network in Oregon, which includes Adventist Portland and Adventist Tillamook hospitals.