Baptist Health South Florida, headquartered in Coral Gables, and Bethesda Health, headquartered in Boynton Beach, have signed an agreement to merge, pursuant to a 24-month transition period culminating on September 30, 2017. During the transition period, both organizations will collaborate to enhance effectiveness in their operations and share best practices to address the ongoing evolution of the healthcare industry.
“While significant challenges are ahead in healthcare, it is essential to forge partnerships that can ensure our organizations remain on the leading edge as providers of quality medical care,” said Roger L. Kirk, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Bethesda Health. “As not-for-profit hospitals, we share similar missions and a common vision for improving the health of our respective communities that can be significantly strengthened by this affiliation.”
“We are very optimistic about the steps we are taking to affiliate with Bethesda Health,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health South Florida. “Our organizations share similar values, and together we will develop and share best practices that can only enhance our commitment to our patients, employees and the communities we serve. Additionally, as the healthcare industry changes, it is essential for progressive healthcare organizations to adjust their operations to remain accountable and strong.”
Both Baptist Health and Bethesda Health have longstanding reputations in South Florida for being comprehensive healthcare organizations that provide high-quality, compassionate care to their respective communities. Both organizations will be actively collaborating over the next two years. Full affiliation is scheduled to occur on October 1, 2017, subject to compliance with contractual provisions and regulatory requirements.
