JASPER – Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center is working toward an affiliation with Deaconess Health Systems in an effort to continue faith-based Catholic care for the Dubois County community, according to a statement from the hospital.
The announcement came Tuesday after a letter of intent was signed to affiliate, effectively becoming the 10th DHS Hospital in Southern Indiana.
This new letter of affiliation comes after officials say Little Company of Mary Sisters will eventually not have the capacity to provide sponsorship for Memorial Hospital. The Board of Directors and Administrative Staff have been deliberating over the last eighteen months to create a long-term solution.
Jim Huebner, MHHCC Board Chairperson said, “We are excited to announce the first step toward an affiliation with Deaconess Health System that will allow Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center to maintain its culture as a Catholic organization known for faith-based, high-quality care and will ensure the commitment to the community to retain appropriate local decision making.”
“Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center have a proud history and tradition in Dubois County and surrounding communities,” said Shawn McCoy, CEO of Deaconess Health System. “Deaconess strongly believes in the importance of local decisions and local leadership for healthcare organizations. Our affiliation will continue to promote this local focus, and collaboration with the physicians, leaders, and staff at MHHCC and will ensure this affiliation is beneficial to the communities we serve now and in the future.”
In addition, philanthropy and volunteer support will continue to benefit MHHCC and the community.
Sister Renee Cunningham LCM, Secretary to the Board, said, “We remain committed to our mission, to our staff, to our medical staff, and to the communities, we serve as we continue this process.”
Officials say Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center and Deaconess Health System will now begin work on a definitive agreement. They say completing the affiliation is subject to reaching a definitive agreement by both parties as well as regulatory and Catholic Church approvals.
