Providence Health signs Memorandum of Understanding with Fairfield Memorial Hospital and Fairfield County
May 22, 2017
Providence Health, Fairfield Memorial Hospital and Fairfield County announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to transform the delivery of local healthcare services into a model that better meets the needs of Fairfield County residents. The MOU, which was approved by the Fairfield County Council, involves the construction of a new freestanding Emergency Services facility that will be owned and operated by Providence Health and the subsequent closing of the Emergency Room and inpatient bed services at Fairfield Memorial Hospital. This closing will not occur until the new, freestanding Emergency Services Facility is open.
“We look forward to working with Fairfield Memorial Hospital and Fairfield County to create a strong, viable model that preserves access to important healthcare services and meets the long-term needs of the community,” says Providence Health Market CEO Scott Campbell.
The project is made possible in part by South Carolina’s Hospital Transformation Program, which supports rural access to healthcare resources and has contributed $3.8 million to this multi-million dollar project. Representatives of Providence Health, Fairfield Memorial Hospital and Fairfield County will collaborate on a plan to ensure a seamless transition in care.
“Providing rural access to health resources is a statewide initiative,” says Fairfield Memorial Hospital CEO Suzanne Doscher. “We are pleased to have found a partner that will continue to offer emergency services to the residents of Fairfield County.”
A freestanding emergency services facility is structurally separate and distinct from a hospital and providesemergency care to patients.
“We’re excited to partner with Providence Health to bring a long-term solution to our community and ensure access to 24-hour Emergency Room services right here in Fairfield County,” says Fairfield County Council Chair Billy Smith.
About Providence Health: A part of LifePoint Health, Providence Health is the leading provider of cardiovascular and orthopedic services in the Midlands. Providence is composed of two hospitals, sixteen physician practices, a network of rehabilitation centers, two sleep centers, an imaging and diagnostics lab, a school of cardiac diagnostics and an accredited chest pain center. In total, Providence employs more 2 Page 2 than 1,800 dedicated staff. Founded in 1938 by the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, Providence is known statewide for outstanding clinical quality and compassionate care. Providence Health was recognized nationally by U.S. News & World Report, tying for second place as the Best Hospital in South Carolina. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services awarded Providence Health a 4-star rating, which is the highest rank issued to a Columbia health care entity. The Providence open heart surgery program has consistently ranked in the top 15 percent of open heart programs in the nation. Both orthopedics and cardiac services have received the South Carolina BlueCross BlueShield Blue Distinction Center designation. For more information, visit YourProvidenceHealth.com.
About Fairfield Memorial Hospital: Fairfield Memorial Hospital is a 25-bed critical access hospital located in Winnsboro, South Carolina. Services include cardiac rehab, a clinical laboratory, diabetic education, emergency services, infusion, radiology, rehabilitation, respiratory therapy and sleep studies. The facility houses the Blue Granite Medical Center, a rural health clinic which offers assistance to uninsured Fairfield County residents.
