2015-10-02

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.

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“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.

About Baptist Health South Florida

Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region,

with seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital,

Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami

Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital) and nearly 50 outpatient and

urgent care facilities spanning three counties. The not-for-profit

Baptist Health has approximately 16,000 employees and 2,200 affiliated

physicians, and also includes Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist

Outpatient Services and internationally renowned centers of excellence.

Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports

services at all hospitals and facilities. Baptist Health was listed by

Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America

(#23 in the nation) and has remained on the list for 15 years. It was

also recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the

fifth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute. Visit

BaptistHealth.net.

About Bethesda Health, Inc.

Bethesda Health is comprised of two not-for-profit hospitals, Bethesda

Hospital East and Bethesda Hospital West, which are supported by the

generosity of philanthropic community members through the Bethesda

Hospital Foundation. Through our community support, we have grown to 670

physicians and more than 2,500 employees. Bethesda Health includes

Bethesda Health Physician Group, Bethesda Heart Hospital, Bethesda

Orthopaedics Institute, Cornell Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine,

the Center for Women and Children, which includes Level III neonatal

intensive care and pediatric intensive care, the Bethesda College of

Health Sciences and accredited centers for Stroke, Chest Pain and Heart

Failure. Visit BethesdaWeb.com

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Contacts

Baptist Health South Florida
Roymi Membiela, 786-596-6534
Corporate

Vice President
Marketing Communications
or
Christine

Kotler, 786-596-6534
Assistant Vice President
Marketing

Communications
or
Bethesda Health
Lisa Kronhaus,

561-737-7733, ext. 84320
Assistant Vice President, Marketing

Public Relations

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All Rights Reserved.

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