Cabell Huntington (W.Va.) Hospital and Huntington-based Pallottine Health Services have entered into discussions concerning Cabell's potential acquisition of St. Mary's Medical Center.
St. Mary's — also located in Huntington — has 393 beds and is the largest employer in Cabell County, with more than 2,600 employees, according to a news release. The potential sale to Cabell, a 303-bed academic medical center, will result in greater quality, accessibility and affordability of care, according to a news release.
"The Pallottine Sisters have worked for 90 years to make St. Mary's Medical Center what it is today," Michael Sellards, CEO of St. Mary's, said of the proposed deal. "However, healthcare reform has caused hospitals throughout the nation to look at ways to meet the future challenge of healthcare. In addition, with the changing climate of healthcare and fewer sisters to oversee our healthcare ministries, the Pallottine Missionary Sisters made the decision to end their sponsorship of St. Mary's Medical Center. We are pleased to explore a partnership with Cabell Huntington Hospital as we believe that by combining our complementary strengths, we can both significantly improve our ability to meet the healthcare needs of the region and provide better care more efficiently."
The healthcare organizations are currently in the initial steps of the transaction process, which will take "an extended period of time," according to the release.