Franklin, Tenn.-based Williamson Health is moving forward with its proposed $700 million sale to St. Louis-based Ascension after the Williamson County Board of Commissioners approved a letter of intent with Ascension Saint Thomas, a spokesperson for the health system confirmed to Becker’s.
The Sept. 9 vote allows Williamson Health and Ascension Saint Thomas to begin a due diligence process expected to take several months, Williamson Health Board of Trustees Chair Bo Butler said in a statement shared with Becker’s.
“Over the next few months, all parties will be engaged in a thorough and comprehensive due diligence process that will allow our two organizations to share important information needed to negotiate transaction details related to employee compensation and benefits, clinical operations and outcomes, patient safety and quality initiatives, plans for growing and elevating Williamson Health, as well as how Ascension Saint Thomas intends to help us continue our mission of caring for the community,” Mr. Butler said.
A definitive agreement would still need approval from the Williamson Health board of trustees and county commission.
The county commission’s vote marks the latest step in a process that began when Williamson Health’s board unanimously voted July 6 to pursue a change of ownership. The health system said it considered options to remain independent but determined joining Ascension Saint Thomas was the best path forward amid regulatory changes, workforce shortages, supply chain pressures and the need for capital investment.
The commission’s vote followed hours of public comment and debate over whether county leaders should slow the process, particularly after a medication error at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown in Nashville harmed four patients, WZTV Nashville reported. Some commissioners questioned whether the county should learn more about Ascension’s patient safety record before entering exclusive negotiations, while supporters argued that approving the letter of intent would give officials greater access to information during due diligence, including details about the medication error, Ascension’s response and broader patient outcomes.
The August incident at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown involved four joint replacement patients. Ascension confirmed the patients were harmed and said it self-reported the incident to state regulators, identified the cause and implemented additional safeguards.
“We have implemented rigorous clinical safeguards and updated protocols across our pharmacy and surgical services — patient safety remains our highest priority,” Ascension said in a Sept. 9 statement. “We are actively engaged in ongoing, structured collaboration with state and federal regulatory agencies. Administrative notifications and review cycles are standard components of the oversight process following a significant event. We are refining our corrective action plans in full coordination with these agencies to ensure every requirement is met.”
Williamson Health employs more than 2,400 people across more than 30 locations, according to its website. Its flagship facility, Williamson Medical Center, is supported by more than 900 physicians and advanced practice providers across more than 60 specialties and subspecialties.
“The board and I remain encouraged and inspired by the partnership vision, plans and commitments Ascension Saint Thomas has conveyed for building on Williamson Health’s tremendous successes and — together — forging a more promising future for our community, our employees and our medical staff,” Mr. Butler said.
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