Elkhart General Hospital Board Votes to Approve Affiliation with Memorial Hospital

Board Seeks to develop new healthcare system to meet the needs of the community

Nov. 22, 2011

Elkhart, Ind. – Today, the Elkhart General Hospital Board of Directors voted in favor of an affiliation with Memorial Hospital. The outcome of the vote and the decision of the Board to affiliate were based on a close examination of confidential documents and discussions regarding shared values, opportunities, and potential alignment possibilities.

When making the decision to affiliate, Hospital leadership also carefully considered critical issues such as working with key partners, attracting talented medical personnel, ensuring the highest levels of quality and maintaining a solid tradition of financial stewardship.

“The Elkhart General Board appreciates the support and trust it has received from the community, medical staff and employees as it underwent this decision-making process,” said Board Chairman, Don Krabill. “The Board is excited to engage Memorial Hospital in this new affiliation and create a new health system to meet the needs of our community.”

The Memorial Hospital Board of Directors will vote on the proposed affiliation on Wednesday, Nov. 23. Should the Board vote in favor of affiliation, the immediate next step will be to sign the final binding agreement and form a new parent organization. The Board of Directors for the new healthcare system will be comprised of an equal number of members from Elkhart General and Memorial Hospital. Krabill will chair the Board of Directors for the new healthcare system, and Phil Newbold, current CEO of Memorial Hospital, will serve as the CEO for the new healthcare system.

Each hospital will retain its separate Board of Directors and continue to focus on identifying and responding to the healthcare needs of their respective communities. This includes credentialing medical staff members, accreditation, quality, and policy and strategy development related to meeting the health needs of the Communities being served. 

“Elkhart General continues to strive for the creation of a healthier community by being a premier provider of healthcare that partners with those who share in our mission,” Krabill said. “Through continuous improvement of our facilities and teams, along with our emphasis on compassion, competency and productivity, we foster an exceptional customer experience with outstanding medical care.”

• The Facts About the Proposed Elkhart General Hospital and Memorial Hospital Affiliation