Orlando-based Florida Hospital — soon to be renamed AdventHealth — purchased a minority share of Health First, a nonprofit community health system comprising four hospitals in Brevard County, Fla.
Under the deal, Florida Health and Health First will align their resources. The Brevard County hospital system will remain locally owned and maintain its individual brand, while having access to more technologies and increased capital to improve its infrastructure.
The partnership aims to expand the reach of Advent Health and Health First by forming a "super-regional integrated delivery network."
"The alignment of the AdventHealth and Health First brands is a natural fit," said Daryl Tol, president and CEO of Florida Hospital's central Florida division. "By partnering to create a super-region, we are able to expand our services and deliver a connected experience for our consumers."
The deal builds on a partnership launched five years ago, in which the two health systems jointly rolled out a health plan.
"Healthcare is an ever-changing industry, and we are ready to adapt to these changes to best serve Brevard County," said Steve Johnson, president and CEO of Health First. "We have been a part of this community for more than 80 years, and taking these steps will ensure we are here serving patients for many years to come."