SAN ANGELO, Texas — Shannon West Texas Memorial Hospital (Shannon Medical Center) announced Monday afternoon it has signed an agreement to acquire the assets of San Angelo Community Medical Center from subsidiaries of Nashville-based Community Health Systems, Inc. (CHS).
The acquisition, the release said, is advancing Shannon's commitment to preserve and expand access to high-quality, community-based healthcare for west Texans.
“For more than 85 years, Shannon Medical Center’s community-led Board of Trustees has demonstrated their commitment to meeting our community’s evolving healthcare needs while remaining a financially healthy, locally-governed non-profit organization,” Shane Plymell, Shannon president and Chief Executive Officer, said in the release. “The plan we are pursuing will utilize the best of both organizations as we preserve and expand access to affordable, high quality healthcare – even as other communities like ours see hospitals close and services disappear.”
“This is not only an opportunity to combine the capabilities and expertise of both organizations, but it also ensures we have a strong, viable and independent hospital system capable of providing the best care at the lowest cost for patients,” Len P. Mertz, Shannon West Texas Memorial Hospital managing trustee, said.
“Working together for the benefit of patients across our region makes good sense and we welcome the opportunity to collaborate,” Rod Schumacher, Community CEO, said. “Our organizations have shared a commitment to providing quality, compassionate care for the individuals who come to us for medical services.”
According to the release, the parties intend to apply for a certificate of public advantage under a new regulatory framework in the State of Texas, involving, among other things, review and approval of the transaction by the Health and Human Services Commission. This regulatory review process is expected to conclude by the end of the third quarter the year.
Nothing will change for patients or employees of either organization. During the process of seeking regulatory approval, Shannon Medical Center and San Angelo Community Medical Center will continue to operate as separate and independent organizations.
Shannon is committed to keeping the community informed throughout this process and has launched a website, CareForSanAngelo.com, where local residents can learn more.
