University Hospital has announced it may become part of Piedmont Healthcare. The University Health Care System Board of Directors approved a non-binding letter of intent to join Piedmont.
Hugh Hamilton, chairman of University’s Board of Directors and the Richmond County Hospital Authority, called this a strategic move to advance healthcare in the community.
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“We know the future will demand more of us, and our partnership with Piedmont will enable us to transform healthcare for the Augusta region – ensuring University Health Care System can continue to provide exceptional care and fulfill our mission of improving the health of those we serve for future generations,” Hamilton said.
Speaking on the radio with The Augusta Press columnist Austin Rhodes, University Healthcare President and CEO Jim Davis likened the letter of intent to a “first date.”
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“This could take the rest of this year and maybe into next year to finalize,” Davis said.
Under the agreement, Piedmont promises a capital infusion of $1 billion, which would mean a first-class facility and first-class technology for the Augusta area, he said.
This would also make University Hospital part of Piedmont’s large network. The Piedmont website says it currently has “11 hospitals, 34 Piedmont Urgent Care centers, 25 QuickCare locations, 555 Piedmont Clinic physician practice locations and more than 2,500 Piedmont Clinic members.”
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If the deal with Piedmont is finalized, Davis expects the hospital to be renamed Piedmont Augusta.
University Hospital was first known as City Hospital when it opened in 1818.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.
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