Proposed Acquisition to Preserve Local Healthcare Access for 300,000 West Texans
SAN ANGELO, Texas – April 20, 2020 – Shannon West Texas Memorial Hospital (Shannon) has signed an agreement to acquire the assets of San Angelo Community Medical Center (Community) from subsidiaries of Nashville-based Community Health Systems, Inc. (CHS), advancing its 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,” said Shane Plymell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Shannon Medical Center. “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,” said Len P. Mertz, managing trustee of Shannon West Texas Memorial Hospital.
“Working together for the benefit of patients across our region makes good sense and we welcome the opportunity to collaborate,” said Rod Schumacher, CEO of San Angelo Community Medical Center. “Our organizations have shared a commitment to providing quality, compassionate care for the individuals who come to us for medical services.”
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 this year.
In the meantime, 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.
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About Shannon Medical Center: Shannon Medical Center has proudly served the west Texas area for more than 85 years. Dedicated to providing exceptional healthcare for its family, friends and neighbors in the area, Shannon serves as the regional health care resource with diverse clinical services to serve patients in San Angelo and the Concho Valley Region. Together with Shannon Clinic, it offers access to more than 275 providers in 40 specialties across 20 locations. Rated a prestigious 5-star hospital by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), Shannon’s services include a nationally recognized cardiac and stroke programs, with the AirMed air ambulance and designated Level III Trauma Facility which has been named top Trauma Facility in the state. It also features a dedicated Women’s & Children’s Hospital which celebrates the birth of more than 1,200 new babies each year and is home to the Children’s Miracle Network for this area. Shannon is the largest private employer in San Angelo with more than 3,000 Associates. For more about Shannon’s providers or services, visit Shannonhealth.com.
