Signature Completes Acquisition Of St. Joseph's Hospital

Parkersburg, W. VA. & Dallas, TX - Signature Hospital Corporation has completed the acquisition of St. Joseph's Hospital from LifePoint Hospitals Inc., company officials announced recently.

"We are very enthused about becoming a part of the Parkersburg and Mid-Ohio Valley communities," said Charles R. Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Signature. "We look forward to working closely with the physicians, staff, board of trustees and the community to build on St. Joseph's heritage as a trusted, compassionate provider of care."

Today's announcement follows approval from the West Virginia Health Care Authority and culminates approximately eight months of review and due diligence.

"This brings a tremendous sense of stability to our hospital and employees," says Patsy Hardy, Chief Executive Officer of St. Joseph's. "We can now move forward knowing that we have a strong partner that supports our values and shares our vision for the future of St. Joseph's."

As one of its first operational decisions, Signature will install a state-of-the-art digital imaging and picture archiving and communication system at St. Joseph's. This system is vastly superior to traditional film-based imaging systems. The new system will improve image quality and make it easier for physicians to access past records as well as examine new images from remote locations.

"Our focus is adding value to the delivery of health care. Assuring that our patients have access to affordable state-of-the-art technology is just one of the many ways to do that," Miller added. "Our ‘value-added' mission is the standard that drives our strategy and guides our decision making. We believe that emphasis truly differentiates Signature from other health care providers."

St. Joseph's, which was founded in 1900 and has 325 licensed beds, becomes the fourth – and largest – facility under the umbrella of Signature. Under its partnership with Signature, St. Joseph's will continue to uphold the mission and values on which it was founded and has honored throughout its existence.

SOURCE: Signature Hospital Corporation