University of South Alabama Health Care Authority enters agreement with Ascension to acquire Providence Health System
MOBILE, Ala. (April 18, 2023) – The University of South Alabama Health Care Authority has entered into an agreement with St. Louis-based Ascension to acquire Providence Hospital and its clinics in a transaction that will enhance the Mobile community’s access to high-quality healthcare.
“The values shared by USA Health and Providence make the acquisition a good fit,” said University of South Alabama President Jo Bonner. “USA Health and Providence have long shared a commitment to provide compassionate care to those who need it the most, and that core value will not change.”
Under this agreement, Providence Hospital will join the University of South Alabama’s academic health system recognized for its outstanding service to patients and the community, including operating a Level I trauma center, comprehensive stroke center, burn center, Level III NICU, center for maternal-fetal medicine, cancer institute, and also functioning as a superior research and education facility. USA Health is the only academic health system on the upper Gulf Coast.
“Ascension Providence has a legacy of serving the healthcare needs of the community that dates back to the mid-1800s. We are pleased that this strong tradition will continue as the hospital and its related services transition to USA Health, which will allow associates and physicians to continue to serve the community through an integrated care delivery system,” said Don King, President and CEO of Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast. “This transition will ensure that the Mobile community and surrounding regions have sustainable, quality healthcare access long into the future.”
Continuity of care for patients is a top priority for USA Health and Ascension Providence. Both are committed to creating a smooth transition for patients, physicians, providers and associates, with no disruption in services or procedures.
“Acquiring Providence Health System will allow us to enhance our capabilities across our tripartite mission of education, research and clinical care,” said John V. Marymont, M.D., M.B.A., vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama. “The acquisition will create jobs and opportunities for more people across a wide spectrum to bolster Mobile and the surrounding area. It now gives Providence the benefit of local leadership and enhances our commitment to serve this community.”
The University of South Alabama Healthcare Authority will acquire the 349-bed Providence Hospital facility and its related sites of care, including the physician practices of Ascension Medical Group. The hospital is a full-service facility with 24/7 emergency care, a Level III trauma center, outpatient diagnostic center, and a freestanding rehabilitation and wellness center.
The acquisition is expected to close in the fall of 2023. Until that time, USA and Providence Hospital will continue to operate independently.
“We welcome the opportunity to work with our colleagues at Providence to provide outstanding patient care,” said Owen Bailey, M.S.H.A., FACHE, USA Health chief executive officer and senior associate vice president for medical affairs. “This agreement is good news for patients, employees, the Mobile community and the surrounding region.”
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USA Health is the only academic health system along the upper Gulf Coast. With nearly 30 care delivery locations, including USA Health University Hospital, USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital and the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, and physician practices sites throughout the area, the health system melds clinical care, research and healthcare education into the most advanced medical care in the region.
About the University of South Alabama
The University of South Alabama is a global teaching and research university that provides students with an exceptional education in business, the liberal arts, education, engineering, computing, the sciences and health care. USA’s commitment to student success includes small class sizes and hands-on research opportunities in more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs offered through 10 academic colleges and schools. USA offers advanced and innovative healthcare through the USA Health system of hospitals and clinics, as well as the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine.
Ascension (www.ascension.org) is one of the nation’s leading non-profit and Catholic health systems, with a Mission of delivering compassionate, personalized care to all with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. In FY2022, Ascension provided $2.3 billion in care of persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs. Ascension includes approximately 140,000 associates and 37,000 aligned providers and operates more than 2,600 sites of care – including 138 hospitals in 19 states.
