Huntsville (Ala.) Hospital Health System and Haleyville, Ala.-based Lakeland Community Hospital entered into an affiliation agreement, effective July 1.
The agreement is not an acquisition or purchase, according to a July 2 Huntsville Hospital Health System news release. Lakeland Community Hospital, a 25-bed critical access hospital and the only hospital in Winston County, will remain independent, retaining its local leadership and day-to-day operations. Huntsville Hospital Health System will provide financial support, strategic guidance and resources to help stabilize the hospital.
The affiliation does not replace local support for the hospital, which “remains essential to meeting current obligations and supporting the hospital’s long-term stability,” according to the release.
“When a community loses access to its hospital, the impact reaches far beyond one building,” Huntsville Hospital Health System President and CEO Jeff Samz said in the release. “It affects patients, families, local employers, emergency responders and neighboring hospitals. This agreement is about acting before that happens in Winston County. Lakeland Community Hospital has an impressive, dedicated team and plays an integral role in this region. HH Health is proud to help support its future.”
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