Longview, Texas-based Good Shepherd Health System received approval July 18 from Gregg County Commissioners Court to amend the health system's current lease and transfer the agreement from GSHS to Duke LifePoint Healthcare, a joint venture between Durham, N.C.-based Duke University Health System and Brentwood, Tenn.-based LifePoint Health.
As part of the lease transfer, Duke LifePoint has agreed to continue important existing lease commitments, such as the provision of indigent and charity care and the continuation of 24-hour services.
Duke LifePoint has also committed to significant capital investments in technology, medical equipment and facility improvements for GSHS. Under the terms of the deal, Duke LifePoint will become a local taxpayer, providing an ongoing source of new tax revenue for the local economy in Longview.