The University Health Care System officially joined Piedmont on Tuesday, less than a year after the two systems signed a letter of intent.
Piedmont Healthcare has acquired University Health Care System, the organizations announced on Tuesday. The acquisition has added three additional hospitals and associated physician practices to the Georgia-based health system.
"Piedmont’s model is to provide comprehensive care close to home and we are excited that a great system like University Health Care, which has been doing that for more 200 years, is joining with us," Kevin Brown, president and CEO of Piedmont, said in a statement. "Our focus is always on changing healthcare, making it easier, more seamless and removing the hassle, which is what we will bring to this partnership."
The two organizations signed a letter of intent in May 2021, which included plans for Piedmont to invest more than $1 billion over 10 years into the previous University Health Care System organizations and communities.
Piedmont now serves patients through 19 hospitals across the Peach State and has renamed the acquired hospitals to fit the organization. University Hospital is now Piedmont Augusta Hospital, University Hospital Summerville is now Piedmont Augusta Hospital Summerville campus, and University Hospital McDuffie is now Piedmont McDuffie Hospital.
James Davis, who served as president and CEO of University Health Care System, will serve as president and CEO of Piedmont Augusta and Piedmont McDuffie.
"Today, we celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in the history of University Health Care System," Davis said in a statement. "We are excited about the many possibilities and new opportunities the partnership with Piedmont will bring to our patients, employees, physicians, and the community. Becoming Piedmont ensures we secure high-quality care in our community into the future. This has been our commitment for 204 years, and we’re excited the tradition of excellence will continue."
Davis added, "Piedmont Augusta and Piedmont McDuffie are both well positioned for growth. Being trusted by Piedmont to serve as their Augusta clinical hub for healthcare is a huge vote of confidence, and it took a lot of work to get to this day. It’s nice to celebrate and make it official."
Melanie Blackman is a contributing editor for strategy, marketing, and human resources at HealthLeaders, an HCPro brand.
Photo credit: Atlanta, Georgia - February 5, 2020: Piedmont Atlanta Medical Center and Hospital building exterior / University of College / Shutterstock.com