Hospital Joins Ranks With Northwest Health

Physicians’ Specialty Hospital became the fourth hospital in Northwest Health System’s network April 1.

The 20-bed hospital joined its ranks after a subsidiary of Tennessee-based Community Health Systems Inc. acquired 80 percent ownership interest in the hospital, according to a company press release. Community Health Systems, which owns Northwest Health System, has nearly 200 hospitals in 29 states.

“The addition of Physicians’ Specialty Hospital in Fayetteville deepens our network of facilities in Northwest Arkansas, one of the fastest-growing markets in the U.S.,” said Wayne T. Smith, chairman and chief executive officer of Community Health Systems.

Physicians’ Specialty Hospital, a 55,740-SF facility, is now Northwest Health Physicians’ Specialty Hospital. The hospital is owned partly by physicians, according to a press release from Northwest Health System.

“Our leaders chose to align with Northwest Health based on their respect for the quality of patient care provided across the system and their desire to position the hospital for long-term success and strength,” said Dr. David Cannon, chief medical director with Northwest Health Physicians’ Specialty Hospital. “Affiliation with Northwest Health will help us achieve our most important goals and allow us to grow and thrive in service to our community.”

Employees in good standing will be hired in similar positions and salary levels.

“The hospital will maintain its position as the official orthopedic, spine and surgical hospital for the Arkansas Razorbacks,” according to a letter from Sharif Omar, chief executive officer of Northwest Health System.

Northwest Health System also includes, Northwest Medical Center — Bentonville, Northwest Medical Center — Springdale and Northwest Medical Center — Willow Creek Women’s Hospital.

“As a regional network, we can share expertise and apply our resources to improve access to services, enhance physician recruitment and support quality of patient care,” Omar wrote.