HUNTINGTON, WV – Cabell Huntington Hospital, Inc., and Pallottine Health

Services, Inc. are discussing a potential acquisition by Cabell

Huntington Hospital of St. Mary’s Medical Center. Both organizations

believe that combining will benefit the community by improving quality,

access and affordability in the delivery of healthcare services. They

are currently in the initial steps of a process that will occur over an

extended period of time aimed at bringing the two organizations

together.

“Cabell Huntington Hospital continuously seeks strategic partnerships

and collaborations with providers and entities to prepare for population

health management, increase access and manage the cost of health care,”

stated Brent A. Marsteller, Chief Executive Officer, Cabell Huntington

Hospital. “We are extremely excited about the potential of a close

working relationship with St. Mary’s Medical Center as we see this as

critical to delivering the highest quality care in the most cost

effective and efficient manner. In the meantime, we will continue to

operate both hospitals independently.”

“The Pallottine Sisters have worked for 90 years to make St. Mary’s

Medical Center what it is today,” stated Michael Sellards, Chief

Executive Officer, St. Mary’s Medical Center. “However, healthcare

reform has caused hospitals throughout the nation to look at ways to

meet the future challenge of healthcare. In addition, with the changing

climate of healthcare and fewer Sisters to oversee our healthcare

ministries, the Pallottine Missionary Sisters made the decision to end

their sponsorship of St. Mary’s Medical Center. We are pleased to

explore a partnership with Cabell Huntington Hospital as we believe that

by combining our complementary strengths, we can both significantly

improve our ability to meet the healthcare needs of the region, and

provide better care more efficiently.”

Cabell Huntington Hospital is a 303-bed academic medical center located

in Huntington, West Virginia. Cabell Huntington is home to the Hoops

Family Children’s Hospital and the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center

and cares for patients from more than 29 counties throughout West

Virginia, eastern Kentucky and southern Ohio. Opened in 1956, it is

affiliated with Marshall University Schools of Medicine, Pharmacy and

Nursing.

St. Mary’s Medical Center is the largest private employer in Cabell

County, with more than 2600 employees. At 393 beds, it is among the

largest healthcare facilities in West Virginia, with centers of

excellence in cardiac care, cancer treatment, emergency/trauma services,

neuroscience, and joint replacement.

Officials confirm possible merger.