FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Huntsville Hospital Health System has officially purchased DeKalb Regional Medical Center, a 134-bed hospital in Fort Payne, AL, along with its affiliated clinics and outpatient facilities. This move integrates DeKalb Regional into HHHS's network of 13 hospitals across Alabama and Tennessee.
In a news release, Jeff Samz, CEO of Huntsville Hospital Health System, expressed anticipation for the collaboration.
“We look forward to DeKalb Regional Medical Center joining our organization. DeKalb Regional has a great history of serving its community. HH Health System is an organization of like-minded hospitals that believe patients are best served close to home. Our mission includes helping rural communities maintain local access to quality care. Together, we are stronger in today’s challenging environment. So, we’re very excited about working with this great hospital and serving the people of Fort Payne and DeKalb County.”
Samz also expressed appreciation for the DeKalb County Hospital Association’s support, particularly its chairman, Mike Leath. DCHA will continue to operate the DeKalb Ambulance Service as a separate organization.
“We are excited to join the Huntsville Hospital Health System family of hospitals,” Darrell Blaylock, CEO of DeKalb Regional Medical Center said. “We share a common goal of preserving local access to healthcare, and being part of this regional network that allows us to continue our tradition of local care in DeKalb County.”
The transaction is set to be finalized on March 31, 2024, pending any required regulatory approvals.
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