Southeast Hospital, Ripley Co. Explore Affiliation

Ripley County Presiding Commissioner Bill Kennon and Southeast Missouri Hospital President and CEO Debbie Linnes confer following a press conference Tuesday in Doniphan. At the press conference, it was announced that Ripley County and Ripley County Memorial Hospital are exploring the possibility of entering into an affiliation with Southeast Missouri Hospital.

Ripley County Presiding Commissioner Bill Kennon announced Tuesday that Ripley County and Ripley County Memorial Hospital in Doniphan are exploring the possibility of entering into an affiliation with Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. The announcement was made at a press conference held in Doniphan.

At its meeting on July 28, the Ripley County Commission unanimously endorsed the concept of Ripley County Memorial Hospital exploring an affiliation with Southeast Missouri Hospital. The first step is a financial infusion from Southeast Hospital in the form of a $350,000 pre-paid rent deposit paid to Ripley County Memorial Hospital on July 30. The exact form of affiliation would depend on the results of a feasibility study and due diligence review to be undertaken by the hospitals over the next two months. Due diligence activities will include a comprehensive financial and statistical examination, an environmental assessment, review of assets and equipment, and analysis of existing contracts and other obligations.

Kennon explained that during the due diligence period, the organizational structure at Ripley County Memorial will be unchanged. Once the due diligence reports are completed, the hospitals will determine what kind of affiliation will best serve the region. In addition to operating the hospital, Ripley Memorial also operates a home health agency and a rural health clinic.

"The commission is 100 percent behind this affiliation and wants it to happen," Kennon said. "The potential of having Southeast's name associated with our hospital will add a great deal of confidence in the hospital. We believe it's a big win for us and for the community."

U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson, who took part in the press conference, characterized Ripley County Memorial Hospital as "an essential healthcare provider in the rural Eighth Congressional District." Rep. Emerson said she is "very grateful for the involvement of Southeast Missouri Hospital in making sure the facility in Ripley County remains available to enhance and grow services for Missouri patients. When we face the special challenges of providing quality healthcare in rural areas, it often requires a partnership between providers and the community as well as advocates at every level of government. This partnership will maintain access to quality care for thousands of Missourians, and it is a strong indication of the commitment of everyone involved to the health, safety and service of our congressional district."

Pro-Active Approach

Southeast Missouri Hospital President and CEO Debbie Linnes commended the Ripley County Commission and Ripley County Memorial Board of Trustees for their pro-active stance and diligent work to see that Ripley Memorial remains a viable, and essential, part of the community. "It's important to make access to care readily available for the thousands of Ripley County residents who rely on Ripley County Memorial Hospital and its dedicated staff. "

"An affiliation with Ripley County Memorial is consistent with our strategy as a regional health system," she added. "With our many facilities across multiple campuses, we have operated as a health system in Cape County for several years. This new relationship solidifies our commitment to working in cooperation and coordination with healthcare providers throughout our service area, and it will streamline access to specialties currently not available at hospitals located in nearby Poplar Bluff, such as neurosurgery and neonatology, both of which are available at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

We also want to assure residents of Ripley County, the physicians on the Medical Staff at Ripley County Memorial, and the hospital staff that we have an unwavering commitment to delivering healthcare services here with the same respect, attention, and focus on personal care that has defined our health system since its inception."

As the due diligence process proceeds, Linnes said Southeast Missouri Hospital is looking forward to having an open dialog with citizens of Ripley County about their vision for the new partnership and Ripley County Memorial.

Southeast Missouri Hospital Board of Trustees Chairman A.M. Spradling, III, said the board "is genuinely pleased to partner with a community and a region to sustain and grow access to care. Ripley County Memorial is a major employer and a real asset to Ripley County. We look forward to continuing to build a positive relationship between Southeast and Ripley County Memorial. "

Bob Garrison, Ripley County Memorial Administrator, said "the standards embraced by Southeast Missouri Hospital will take hold in Ripley County in terms of quality of care, availability of healthcare services and access to service. This affiliation creates a wonderful opportunity for the residents of Ripley County."

Meyyappan Palani, MD, an Internal Medicine specialist at Ripley County Memorial agrees. "I believe this partnership will be very good for the community. I am looking forward to working with my hospital and Southeast Missouri Hospital as we move forward on this exciting venture."

Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center CEO Greg Carda said he understands the importance of Ripley County Memorial to Ripley County. "The hospital is the first line of defense, and physicians and staff must be able to do their jobs and provide care. Poplar Bluff Regional and Southeast are working as partners to improve and expand healthcare services in Ripley County."

Affiliation Vital to Hospital

Ripley County Memorial Board of Trustees President Jerry Cole said it's clear that the hospital "cannot compete as a single entity. We must partner with a regionally recognized organization with a demonstrated commitment to quality care. Ripley County Memorial's future lies in partnership with a strong regional health system, and we see Southeast Missouri Hospital as that choice in our region."