Skaggs Board of Directors Announces Finalists in Strategic Partner Search

Branson – Skaggs Regional Medical Center advanced the process of finding a key strategic partner by narrowing the field of potential candidates from six to two. The finalists are: CoxHealth in Springfield, Missouri and LifePoint Hospitals based out of Brentwood, Tennessee.

“Our focus is on making available the highest quality care for our community,” said David Smith, Chairman of the Skaggs Board of Directors. “The Board of Directors is searching for a partner that can provide strategic resources and capital, while supporting such things as physician recruitment, advances in technology and implementation of healthcare reforms.” 

“We are also looking to secure jobs and future growth and find a good cultural fit for Branson,” said Smith. “I’m encouraged about the future of Skaggs and healthcare in our region.  The interest expressed by our potential partners is not only gratifying but illustrates the great potential we have as an organization for serving the healthcare needs of our community for generations to come.”

“The Skaggs Board of Directors made a great decision as we move forward to continue with great quality care to our patients as well as the Branson community,” said Dr. Robert Blackshear, Skaggs Chief of Staff.

“The board has defined a process and thoughtfully approached that process with intent of determining a partner that keeps the provision of healthcare, long-term in the community and at its forefront,” said Pete Pearson, MBA, FHFMA, Pershing Yoakley & Associates, P.C.

According to William K. Mahoney, President and CEO of Skaggs Regional Medical Center, these two entities will enter into an intensive period of review during the next 60-90 days.  After this review process, the Skaggs Board of Directors will sign a letter of intent with a single candidate.  The Skaggs Board of Directors will then make a formal recommendation to the Board of Trustees for a final vote.

“This strategic partnership will enrich our community and improve our care options,” said Mahoney.

“We’ve been pleased by the response,” Mahoney added. “Our potential partners have shared their enthusiasm for our growing, dynamic community and the improvements we’ve already put in place at Skaggs. This has been an affirming and exciting process for all of us.”

From a business standpoint, we have asked each entity to provide us with insight on what various arrangements may look like, according to Smith.

Skaggs Regional Medical Center is a 165-licensed bed community-owned and supported healthcare facility dedicated to improving the health of all residents. Skaggs holds the highest national accreditation available for medical facilities from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Skaggs has also earned the Gold Seal of Approval™ for its advanced inpatient diabetes care and is an Advanced Primary Stroke Center through the Joint Commission on Accreditation.