SoutheastHEALTH signs letter of intent to join with Mercy

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - SoutheastHEALTH announced Monday, January 30 it signed a letter of intent to join with St. Louis-based Mercy as a full member.

According to a release from the healthcare system, the decision comes after a search process involving a selection committee, the hospital board of directors and the system board of directors.

“We’ve achieved our goal, to focus on alignment with a health system that demonstrates a strong willingness to make SoutheastHEALTH a regional hub in southeast Missouri and the greater tri-state area it serves. Mercy is the best strategic fit for both entities and this vision. With a proven track record in community health, Mercy fully supports strengthening access to affordable primary and specialty health care for all residents in the communities we serve,” President and CEO Ken Bateman said in the release.

According to SoutheastHEALTH System Board Chairman Dr. Jim Dufek, joining the two health systems has the full support of the board of directors.

He estimated a definitive agreement will be finished this summer with integration taking place in the fall.

SoutheastHEALTH is one of the largest employers in Cape Girardeau.

We talked to Cape Girardeau Chamber President Rob Gilligan and he said he’s looking forward to creating new opportunities.

“My guess is that they’re going to structure this to where you won’t see anything as an individual change. Ultimately, what we’re going to see is a broader network of relationships and support and an opportunity to have access to other care options and opportunities and some potential efficiencies within the market,” he said.

President and CEO of Mercy, Steve Mackin, said the agreement should “provide even more access to high-quality, lower-cost health care for the Cape Girardeau community.”

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