Loma Linda University Health and Adventist Health have officially entered into exclusive negotiations with San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital (SGMH). The SGMH board voted unanimously to begin negotiations during its meeting May 28.
“Loma Linda University Health has been serving the Pass communities for many years,” says Kerry Heinrich, CEO, Loma Linda University Medical Center. “We are thrilled at this new opportunity to expand our services to this community.”
Under the proposed affiliation, Loma Linda University Health and Adventist Health will provide resources to SGMH to enhance medical and hospital services to the San Gorgonio Pass communities.
“After a lengthy and thorough evaluation of our options, the board made this decision to unify efforts,” says Jerilynn Kaibel, DC, board chair, SGMH. “Combining our current strengths with the longstanding history of Loma Linda University Health and Adventist Health was the best option for the community we serve.”
This proposed affiliation will improve the quality of care and patient safety in the San Gorgonio Pass communities by expanding the range of services provided while retaining and recruiting talented personnel and staff. Additionally, this relationship will provide resources to complete the last phase of construction for the patient care building at SGMH, which will increase licensed bed count from 77 to 91.
Over the coming months, representatives from SGMH, Loma Linda University Health and Adventist Health will be working to finalize an affiliation agreement.
The hospital district will remain public, with a local public board managing district operations.
“San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital’s mission has always been ‘to provide safe, high quality, personalized health care services,’” Kaibel states, “and this new affiliation will allow us to keep that focus, continuing our dedication to care for our community.”
“We want to promote wholeness and health for people in the Pass communities,” says Loma Linda University Health President Richard H. Hart, MD, DrPH, “and we intend to integrate our commitment ‘to make man whole’ with San Gorgonio’s mission and dedication to the community.”
“Adventist Health is very pleased to have the opportunity to bring our successful experience in community hospitals to this partnership with Loma Linda University Health and San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital,” says Bob Beehler, vice president for market development/mergers and acquisitions, Adventist Health. “Together we will work tirelessly to provide high quality health care to the San Gorgonio Pass communities.”
Adventist Health is a faith-based, nonprofit integrated health delivery system serving communities in California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington.