The transaction will include Ascension St. Vincent’s current services, facilities, caregivers and associates, including a robust network of providers serving the region and is expected to be completed in fall 2024.
After extensive study and due diligence, the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees has approved an agreement with Ascension for the UAB Health System Authority to take ownership of Ascension St. Vincent Health System in Central of Alabama to maintain patient access to the highest quality care in Birmingham. and surrounding communities.
Under the terms of the agreement, the UAB Health System Authority will take ownership of all Ascension St. Vincent care sites, including hospitals in Birmingham, Blount, Chilton, East and St. Clair, as well as One Nineteen Campus; the Trussville stand-alone emergency department; and the imaging centers and other clinics that are part of Ascension Medical Group. The transaction will include Ascension St. Vincent’s existing services, facilities, caregivers and associates, including a robust network of providers serving the region.
“Patients will continue to have access to the health care services and providers they trust, and ultimately have access to a broader network of care,” said Dawn Bulgarella, CEO of the UAB Health System , who is also CEO of UAB/Ascension St. Vincent’s Alliance. “UAB and St. Vincent exist to improve lives, and that purpose will guide our actions in the months to come and beyond. »
The UAB/Ascension St. Vincent Alliance was launched in 2020 to increase Alabamians’ access to high-quality, innovative medical care and help patients receive the right care at the right time in the right place. Leaders at UAB and Ascension St. Vincent see this agreement as the natural next step to continue expanding access to sustainable care in Alabama.
Jason Alexander, CEO and senior vice president of Ascension St. Vincent, says the UAB Health System – with a network of 17 statewide hospitals, owned and affiliated, and with its system integrated care delivery service and proven track record of promoting sustainable, patient-centered care in Birmingham and Alabama – are best positioned to expand opportunities for patients to access a broader network of care to the future.
“As part of our shared commitment to our patients, caregivers, associates and community, we continued to discuss options to better fulfill our missions in an increasingly complex environment,” Alexander said. “It has become clear that adding Ascension St. Vincent’s to the UAB Health System-owned network of hospitals – and combining and leveraging our collective strengths – is the solution to ensuring our community maintains the access to sustainable, high-quality healthcare. Among other benefits, patients will have access to a broader network of local services through UAB.
“Even as our structure evolves, Ascension’s commitment to health equity and serving Alabama’s most vulnerable remains steadfast,” Alexander added. “The Ascension Foundation for Health Equity will continue its presence in the marketplace and expand grantmaking beyond the transition period, investing in nonprofits that accelerate positive change for generations of Alabamians. »
As hospitals close across the country, the UAB Health System has made it a priority to strengthen Alabama’s hospitals, support healthcare providers, and increase awareness and community services through innovative partnerships that improve the state’s health care ecosystem.
“Our mission and vision to provide life-changing care and be the leader in improving the health and lives of all we serve aligns with St. Vincent’s exceptional caregivers and associates who have been serving these communities for years,” Bulgarella said. “We look forward to supporting continued operations and providing opportunities for Ascension St. Vincent caregivers and associates to essentially remain in their current positions; our goal is to support fulfilling and meaningful careers that serve our patients and communities.
T
The transaction will include Ascension St. Vincent’s current services, facilities, caregivers and associates, including a robust network of providers serving the region and is expected to close in fall 2024.The transaction is expected to close in fall 2024, subject to standard regulatory approvals and pending satisfaction of closing conditions and approval of the Catholic Church. Until then, UAB Health System and Ascension St. Vincent’s will continue normal operations while their teams work together to plan the transition.
Both entities are committed to working and communicating diligently with patients, employees, caregivers, associates and community partners.
“UAB Health System and Ascension are committed to our patients and employees, caregivers and associates and will work collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition in the short term and to improve the overall patient and employee experience in the long term,” said Bulgarella. .
Ray Watts, MD, who chairs the UAB Health System Board of Trustees in addition to serving as UAB President, says the UAB Health System is in a unique position to deliver on this commitment aimed at supporting patient and employee success.
“The UAB health system is recognized among the best in the nation for innovative, world-class, person-centered care, as well as one of the best places to work in health care,” Watts said . “As an Alabama-run health system, we love, understand and respond to the needs of our local communities, and we deeply respect the similar community and mission-driven commitment of Ascension St. Vincent caregivers and associates . »
Bulgarella says Ascension St. Vincent’s operations in central Alabama also have a proud history that the UAB Health System plans to build on with Ascension caregivers and associates.
“Since 1898, Ascension St. Vincent caregivers and associates have served our community well,” Bulgarella said. “We are excited to honor and continue their culture and heritage, and ensure they feel safe and valued in this transition.” I look forward to joining our talented, mission-driven teams as we work together toward continuity and positive outcomes for those we serve.
During a special called meeting of the UA System Board of Trustees at which the agreement to purchase member interests was adopted with unanimous support, Bulgarella and UA System Chancellor Sid J. Trant , recommended approval of the resolution.
“As you all know, the University of Alabama System and the UAB Health System exist to improve the lives of Alabamians and beyond,” he said. “This acquisition will go a long way toward achieving that goal and will enable the UA System to realize its vision of becoming the preeminent public higher education and health care system in the United States.” »