LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Baptist Health has reached a definitive agreement to add Drew Memorial Health System in Monticello to the Baptist Health system. The acquisition will be subject to customary regulatory approvals, and in the interim, Baptist Health will immediately begin managing Drew Memorial Health System’s general operations.
In December, Baptist Health will officially add Drew Memorial Health System, which includes a 60-bed hospital, two clinics and home health. That same month, the Monticello hospital will become Baptist Health’s 12th hospital and will be named “Baptist Health Medical Center-Drew County.”
“Baptist Health was approached by Drew Memorial Health System a number of months ago about our interest in merging Drew Memorial Health System into the Baptist Health system,” said Troy Wells, president and CEO of Baptist Health. “In today’s challenging health care environment, it is not uncommon for independent community hospitals to look for a system partner. Baptist Health has a proven track record for operating our rural hospitals efficiently, allowing them to remain viable while providing quality health care in much needed areas of our state.”
“This is an energizing and exciting day for Drew County and the surrounding communities,” said Scott Barrilleaux, CEO for Drew County Memorial Hospital. “To combine forces with the outstanding reputation of the Baptist Health team will complement the quality of care this area has come to expect.”
Drew Memorial Health System has approximately 350 employees on its campus in Monticello. The health system offers numerous services such as a cancer and infusion center, emergency department, wound center, rehab therapy, respiratory therapy, women’s services, a sleep center, radiology, and laboratory, among others.
The period from October until acquisition in December will allow the opportunity to minimize disruptions to operations and help with a smooth transition.
About Baptist Health
For more than a century, Baptist Health has delivered All Our Best in health care through Christian compassion and innovative services. Baptist Health is Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization with more than 250 points of access that include 11 hospitals; urgent care centers; a senior living community; over 100 primary and specialty care clinics; a college with studies in nursing and allied health; and a graduate residency program. It is also the largest private not-for-profit health care organization based in Arkansas, providing care through the support of approximately 11,000 employees, groundbreaking treatments, renowned physicians and community outreach programs. For more information about Baptist Health, visit Baptist-Health.com, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app.
About Drew Memorial Health System
Drew Memorial Health System is a non-profit, 60-bed, community-owned acute care facility that serves a population of 200,000 in southeast Arkansas. It has operated for over 35 years in its current location in the city of Monticello, in Drew County, Arkansas.