Sikeston's Ferguson Medical Group joins Saint Francis Healthcare System

Sikeston, Missouri-based Ferguson Medical Group will join Saint Francis Healthcare System, adding more than 40 medical providers to the hospital's system.

The health care system and the medical group jointly made the announcement in an emailed news release Thursday.

They stated they have entered into "formal discussions" regarding Ferguson Medical Group joining Saint Francis Medical Partners on Jan. 1, 2019.

Maryann Reese, president and CEO of Saint Francis Healthcare System, said the move marks "a significant step" for both organizations.

"We know the positive impact cooperation can have in health care, especially in service to rural communities. The knowledge, skill and dedication of Ferguson Medical Group's many physicians and staff members is remarkable and will be an excellent addition to our Saint Francis family. We are proud for the opportunity to call them colleagues as we continue our efforts to build healthier communities across our region," she said.

Dr. Steven Douglas of Ferguson Medical Group said, "I have had the privilege of serving my community of East Prairie for 20 years. The practice of medicine has changed dramatically during this time. It seems that many of those changes have made providing good care in a timely fashion more difficult."

He said, "What has not changed are the relationships I have with the people I care for. The true joy of the practice of medicine is the opportunity to help people live a fuller and better life, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

"The merger of Ferguson Medical Group and Saint Francis Medical Center will enable me to do this," Douglas said. "We will combine the resources and talents and be stronger and more efficient in the years to come."

Such a merger will benefit both health care organizations and their patients throughout the region, the release said.

Ferguson Medical Group's health professionals will have direct access to Saint Francis' resources, facilities, integrated medical records and network of physicians and advanced-practice professionals, according to the release.

Ferguson Medical Group has served communities in Southeast Missouri for nearly 60 years. The group was organized in 1959 by Dr. Wilson J. Ferguson, along with three associate physicians.

Since its establishment, the group has grown to include more than 40 providers, including physicians, midlevel providers and behavioral health specialists, according to the release.

The medical group provides services at eight locations in the region, including Cape Girardeau.

The health care system is anchored by Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau and supported by nearly 2,800 employees and more than 250 providers in eight communities, the release said.

mbliss@semissourian.com

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