Memorial Hospital to become Deaconess Health System affiliate

Tuesday, Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center announced that they had signed a letter of intent to affiliate with Deaconess Health System.

The announcement comes after the local hospital announced on September 27, 2021, they would be seeking to secure a new sponsor, noting the Little Company of Mary Sisters would eventually not have the capacity to provide ongoing sponsorship for Memorial Hospital and its healthcare ministry.

Here is a story on that announcement.

As a strategic next step, the Board of Directors and Administrative Staff immediately began a deliberate process over the last 18 months to create a long-term solution for MHHCC that will support the mission and culture well into the future.

The Letter of Intent (LOI) includes significant commitments to continued investment in Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center. This affiliation represents a strong commitment for MHHCC employees, the medical staff, and the services provided at MHHCC.

“We are excited to announce the first step toward an affiliation with Deaconess Health System that will allow Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center to maintain its culture as a Catholic organization known for faith-based, high-quality care and will ensure the commitment to the community to retain appropriate local decision making,” Jim Huebner, MHHCC Board Chairperson said.

The LOI was reviewed and approved by the Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center Board of Directors.

“This decision is the right choice to secure our future, enabling our employees and medical staff to
provide high-quality, compassionate care to the communities we serve for years to come,” said E. Kyle Bennett, President and CEO, Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center.

The Letter of Intent continues Memorial Hospital’s 71-year Catholic legacy and its connection to the
communities it serves. It provides for an ongoing commitment to advancing Memorial’s existing mission and unique culture as a faith-based Catholic hospital governed by its local board of directors.

“Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center has a proud history and tradition in Dubois County and
surrounding communities,” said Shawn McCoy, CEO Deaconess Health System. “Deaconess strongly
believes in the importance of local decisions and local leadership for healthcare organizations. Our
affiliation will continue to promote this local focus, and collaboration with the physicians, leaders and
staff at MHHCC and will ensure this affiliation is beneficial to the communities we serve now and in the future.”

In addition, philanthropy and volunteer support will continue to benefit MHHCC and the community.
Sister Renee Cunningham LCM, Secretary of the Board of Directors said, “We remain committed to our Mission, our employees, our medical staff, and the communities we serve as we continue this process.”

With the Letter of Intent completed, Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center and Deaconess Health System begin working on a definitive agreement. Completing the affiliation is subject to completion of due diligence and reaching a definitive agreement by both parties as well as regulatory and Catholic Church approvals.