Columbus, Ohio-based OhioHealth is moving forward with plans to acquire Lancaster, Ohio-based Fairfield Medical Center, which would be its 17th acute-care hospital.
The two organizations signed a nonbinding agreement in fall 2024 to begin discussions about a formal partnership.
In September, the board of directors from both health systems agreed to advance the process, potentially making Fairfield Medical Center a full member of OhioHealth, pending necessary government filings and closing conditions, a spokesperson for the health system confirmed to Becker’s.
If finalized, Fairfield Medical Center would become OhioHealth’s 17th hospital and its fifth hospital acquisition in three years. OhioHealth most recently acquired Mount Gilead, Ohio-based Morrow County Hospital, a 25-bed critical access hospital, in January.
OhioHealth comprises a network of 16 hospitals, three joint-venture hospitals and more than 200 ambulatory care sites, according to its website.
