Wyoming Medical Center in Casper announced Jan. 28 that it has signed a letter of intent with Phoenix-based Banner Health. The two organizations are exploring a potential affiliation, according to the Casper Star-Tribune.
Wyoming Medical Center, which includes 249 beds across two campuses, and Banner will now enter a period of due diligence to determine the terms of the potential affiliation. Wyoming Medical Center CEO Michele Chulick said the hospital is exploring a partnership as one way to combat challenges in the healthcare industry.
"Wyoming Medical Center is a jewel, and it is vital to this community and state," Ms. Chulick said in a release, according to the Casper Star-Tribune. "Given the challenges of our industry, the WMC board has been engaged in ongoing work to strategically plan for the future and ensure our hospital continues to be well-positioned to care for our patients and communities into the future."
Banner, a nonprofit system, operates 28 acute care hospitals across six states.