Worthington Regional Hospital enters ownership agreement

The Worthington City Council passed a motion Monday night that approves the sale of Worthington Regional Hospital (WRH) to Sanford Health. The approved proposal, originally presented to the City Council on December 3, 2007, will make Worthington Regional Hospital a fully-integrated member of the Sanford Health system. The hospital has had formal partnership with Sanford Health since 1996.

“I am very pleased, and look forward to the future,” said Becky Nelson, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Sanford Health. “There were a multitude of variables the City Council had to consider in making this decision, and we applaud them for the due diligence they exercised. Ultimately, the right decision was made – a decision that will strengthen healthcare in the Worthington area.”

Sanford officials are already working with WRH to ensure a seamless transition for the staff. This includes immediately seeking Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) augmentation legislation for employees.

”We are excited that the City Council agreed with the hospital board regarding the tremendous value this partnership will bring to healthcare in our community,” said Dave Jueneman, Board Chair at WRH. “This development will bring additional services, providers, and economic growth to our community. We are anxious to now be part of such a progressive organization as Sanford Health.”
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Sanford Health has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to the Worthington community dating back to 1996. In addition to the over eleven year partnership with the hospital, Sanford has operated a clinic in Worthington since 1998, and just this past summer, was the impetus behind the opening of the new Southwest Minnesota Radiation Center – a joint venture among six Sanford facilities.

WRH will join the 10,000 employee strong Sanford Health System consisting of 24 hospitals, 115 clinics, and more than 380 physicians covering 80,000 square miles in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska.

Posted In News, Worthington