Tampa General Hospital (an affiliate of Florida Health Sciences Center) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Bravera Health network, including Bravera Health Brooksville, Bravera Health Spring Hill and Bravera Health Seven Rivers and their related businesses, including physician clinic operations and outpatient services from subsidiaries of Community Health Systems, Inc..

“Tampa General Hospital is one of the nation’s leading academic health systems,” said John Couris, president and CEO of Florida Health Sciences Center. “With this acquisition, TGH is not only expanding its geographic footprint to meet the needs of our state’s growing population, but TGH is also increasing access for Floridians to the world-class rare and complex specialized care we offer.”

Currently, Tampa General’s footprint spans from Tampa Bay to Palm Beach, and the system serves the critically injured or ill patients from 23 counties across Florida. The system is recognized as one of the nation’s best hospitals, according to U.S. News & World Report, with seven specialties ranking among the best programs in the United States.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close later this year. Once the transaction is complete TGH will work with the local physicians on the medical staff and leadership to develop plans for the future.

Serving Citrus and Hernando counties, the hospitals, outpatient clinics and physician offices of Bravera Health provided care to more than 300,000 patients last year.