While the sale of SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Mexico remains in a to-be-announced state, representatives of SSM Health and Quorum Health Corporation revealed their intent to explore a sale of SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Jefferson City and associated community medical group practices by SSM to Quorum Health.

By signing a letter of intent, the organizations have entered a period of exclusive negotiation regarding the hospital campus that was constructed in 2014. Both parties will begin a due diligence process aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of high-quality care in the region, with the goal of reaching a definitive agreement in the second quarter of 2021.

“Quorum Health shares our desire to bring secure, sustainable care to this community. Our conversations with them thus far have been very impressive in terms of their dedication to supporting clinicians, hospital employees and the community,” said SSM Health Regional President Mike Baumgartner. “We have the best interests of our employees, providers and the community at heart, and we are confident that Quorum Health is a strong partner for continuing and deepening service to all.”

Quorum Health is a Tennessee-based health care system with 22 affiliated hospitals across the country, including several facilities in southwest Illinois. The company specializes in operating hospitals in non-urban communities, caring for nearly two million patients annually through its hospital affiliates and clinical practices.

“We are honored to explore an acquisition with a system of SSM Health’s caliber,” said Quorum Health President and Chief Operating Officer Marty Smith. “It is clear from early conversations that our organizations share a deep commitment to providing high-quality care and strengthening the communities we serve. We look forward to learning more about the hospital and community as well as the dedicated teams of physicians, nurses and employees that are a vital part of both.”