Donald Babb, CEO and executive director of Bolivar, Mo.-based Citizens Memorial Hospital and Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation said the hospital terminated its plans to affiliate with Springfield, Mo.-based CoxHealth.
"We have decided that the timing is not right for this type of relationship," said Mr. Babb in a statement. "Our two entities are closer than ever and we anticipate a close working relationship going forward."
As evidence of their continued collaboration, CMH officials said the organization signed a five-year contract with Cox Air Care to provide emergency air services for the hospital.
CoxHealth and CMH initially signed a letter of intent to pursue a potential affiliation in October 2016.
"CMH and CoxHealth have maintained a positive working relationship for numerous years and we will continue to have a close relationship," Steve Edwards, president and CEO of CoxHealth said. "We all have the same purpose in mind — to provide exceptional care to the patients we serve."