Wheeling (W. Va.) Hospital has taken the first step to acquire Harrison Community Hospital in Cadiz, Ohio, as CEOs of both organizations recently signed a letter of intent for the transaction.
"The Harrison Community Hospital Board of Trustees and administration are excited and pleased to take the next step to ensure we are keeping quality healthcare close to home with signing the letter of intent," said Harrison Community Hospital CEO Clifford Harmon.
HCH is a 25-bed independent hospital, and Mr. Harmon explained he and the board understand that small independent hospitals are becoming obsolete. The hospital's board decided in 2014 to explore potential partnerships.
Ron Violi, CEO of 247-bed Wheeling Hospital, expressed excitement about the proposed transaction. "Our goal has always been to keep patients close to their homes and their loved ones," he said. "That is our intent for the residents of Harrison County."
Both organizations will now enter a period of due diligence. If they finalize an agreement, it must receive state and federal regulatory approval.
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