July 1, 2005Gwen Eddleman, president and CEO of Southside Community Hospital announced that a letter of intent to establish an affiliation with Centra Health has been signed.
With the letter of intent in place, the two organizations begin a process of due diligence, the next step in the process of developing a definitive agreement. Eddleman and Centra Health president and CEO George Dawson anticipate the definitive agreement could be reached by mid to late summer. Terms of the proposed affiliation are being withheld pending the full development of the definitive agreement.
Southside Community Hospital's decision to seek a partner followed a formal strategic planning process conducted over 18 months by the hospital's board which sought options to ensure the continued viability of the facility. Centra Health's proposal was selected from among multiple expressions of interest that were received by Southside.
Centra Health, with 4,300 employees, is recognized for clinical excellence, including a strong cardiac program and neonatal services, and high patient satisfaction scores. It operates Lynchburg General Hospital and Virginia Baptist Hospital with a combined 442 beds.
"We feel the cultures of our organizations are in tune with one another," Eddleman said. "We look forward to creating a successful working relationship with our neighbors in Lynchburg that will benefit our patients and further strengthen care in Prince Edward and the surrounding counties."
"Our ability to augment the clinical services available in Farmville was an important element in our discussions," Dawson said. "I look forward to the day when we can work collaboratively and strengthen one another."
