Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center announced today that it plans to purchase Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
A press release states that Lourdes had signed a non-binding letter of intent to purchase Women’s from HCA Healthcare. The release states that the two organizations will be working on a final sale agreement over the next three to four months.
The aim is to provide a comprehensive system of care for families, the release states. The combined organizations would comprise the Acadiana market ministry for Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, Louisiana’s largest Catholic not-for-profit healthcare organization.
“This is an extremely meaningful opportunity to reunite our Catholic healthcare ministry with obstetric and pediatric-focused services and have an even greater impact on families in this region,” said Bryan Lee, Our Lady of Lourdes’ chief executive officer. “We look forward to a successful expansion of care in this community, working alongside the medical staff and nearly 800 team members at Women’s & Children’s Hospital.”
“Women’s & Children’s and Lourdes have had a long, collegial relationship,” said Leona Boullion, Women’s & Children’s Hospital’s interim chief executive officer. This is a natural fit of two closely aligned organizations that will better serve the healthcare needs of the entire family.”
In addition to Women’s and Children’s Hospital, the sale would include Elaine M. Junca Woman’s Imaging Centre, Lafayette Surgicare, The Cancer & Infusion Center, Kid’s Specialty Center and several physician practices and clinics. Both hospitals will continue operations without interruption throughout the sale process. There are no plans to eliminate jobs as a result of the sale.
Subject to the parties’ negotiation of a definitive agreement and applicable regulatory and governance approvals, the sale is expected to close this year.
