Saint Francis Healthcare System joins Health Network of Missouri

Six hospitals and health systems have joined forces to form the Health Network of Missouri, which is aimed at improving access to care and care coordination and lowering healthcare costs.

The collaborative network originally had five Missouri member organizations: Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia; Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City; Hannibal Regional Healthcare System; Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach; and University of Missouri Health Care in Columbia. Those organizations united in June of this year.

Cape Girardeau, Mo.-based Saint Francis Healthcare System will join the network as the sixth member, which will bring the network's total beds to more than 1,000.

"Saint Francis Healthcare System's goal in joining the Health Network of Missouri is to continue to ensure our patients receive exceptional care," said Steven C. Bjelich, president and CEO of Saint Francis Healthcare System. "While remaining independent the hospitals and health systems in this network will be in a position to drive positive change and improve healthcare for the patients in our communities."

The six organizations will share data and best practices, and each will have equal representation in governance of the network.

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