Salem (Ore.) Health Hospitals & Clinics completed its affiliation Sept. 1 with Stayton, Ore.-based Santiam Hospital and Clinics.
The affiliation received approval in August from the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Justice. Both parties initially submitted the transaction for review in April through Oregon’s Health Care Market Oversight program, but withdrew the filing July 3, which ended the agency’s comprehensive review, and submitted a request for an emergency exemption that same day.
Under the affiliation, Santiam employees will become Salem Health staff, with Salem Health investing millions into improvements on healthcare infrastructure at Santiam Health, according to a news release.
Cheryl Nester Wolfe, MSN, RN, president and CEO of Salem Health, will remain in his existing role, with the system now covering Marion, Linn and Polk counties in Oregon. Maggie Hudson will also remain CEO of Santiam, where she will join the Salem Health system’s executive leadership council and report to Ms. Nester Wolf.
“Our top priority remains the same: supporting our clinicians and staff while providing the compassionate, high-quality care our communities know and deserve,” Ms. Nester Wolfe said. ”We believe that healthcare begins close to home.”
Two Santiam board members will join Salem Health’s board of trustees. A Santiam advisory board will also help advise the system on certain matters.
“This affiliation will strengthen and stabilize healthcare for the Santiam Canyon and surrounding communities,” Ms. Hudson said. “By joining Salem Health, we are ensuring that local families continue to have health care close to home.”
Salem Health Hospitals & Clinics is a nonprofit health system that comprises two hospitals, a medical group of primary and specialty care providers and other affiliated services. It has more than 6,400 employees and more than 875 physicians and advanced practice providers.
Santiam Hospital & Clinics is a community-based nonprofit, acute-care hospital. The 40-bed facility comprises a 24/7 emergency room and owns and operates an ambulance program. It also operates 13 medical clinics and employs more than 700 personnel, including more than 70 medical staff.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
