Baptist Health to manage, then acquire Drew Memorial Health System
by October 6, 2023 8:57 pm 1,113 views
Little Rock-based Baptist Health announced Friday (Oct. 6) it has reached a definitive agreement to add Drew Memorial Health System in Monticello to the Baptist Health system. The acquisition will be subject to customary regulatory approvals, and in the interim, Baptist Health will immediately begin managing Drew Memorial Health System’s general operations.
In December, Baptist Health will officially add Drew Memorial Health System, which includes a 60-bed hospital, two clinics and home health.
That same month, the Monticello hospital will become Baptist Health’s 12th hospital and will be named “Baptist Health Medical Center-Drew County.”
“Baptist Health was approached by Drew Memorial Health System a number of months ago about our interest in merging Drew Memorial Health System into the Baptist Health system,” said Troy Wells, president and CEO of Baptist Health.
“In today’s challenging health care environment, it is not uncommon for independent community hospitals to look for a system partner. Baptist Health has a proven track record for operating our rural hospitals efficiently, allowing them to remain viable while providing quality health care in much needed areas of our state,” Wells added.
Drew Memorial Health System has approximately 350 employees on its campus in Monticello. The health system offers numerous services such as a cancer and infusion center, emergency department, wound center, rehab therapy, respiratory therapy, women’s services, a sleep center, radiology, and laboratory, among others.
“This is an energizing and exciting day for Drew County and the surrounding communities,” said Scott Barrilleaux, CEO for Drew County Memorial Hospital. “To combine forces with the outstanding reputation of the Baptist Health team will complement the quality of care this area has come to expect.”
The period from October until acquisition in December will allow the opportunity to minimize disruptions to operations and help with a smooth transition, the two hospitals said in a press release.