INDUSTRY NEWS
A Match Made in Houston
Baylor Scott & White Health, Memorial Hermann Health System
sign letter of intent to create new combined health system
n October, the boards of Baylor convenient and affordable — building physicians and two health plans; and they
Scott & White Health and Memorial something transformative together,” said currently record nearly 10 million patient
Hermann Health System signed Jim Hinton, CEO, Baylor Scott & White encounters annually.
a letter of intent to merge into a combined Health. “We must lead the change in our system to further strengthen communities, industry, while insisting we continue to the two organizations have entered into
advance the health of Texans and fulfill our unwavering commitments to a period of exclusive negotiations, due
transform the delivery of healthcare. meeting the needs of all Texans.” diligence and the standard regulatory
As two of the most comprehensive
The health systems serve as vibrant
With approval of the letter of intent,
review processes. The next stage in the
not-for-profit health systems in Texas, economic engines in more than 30 Texas transaction — a definitive agreement — is
Baylor Scott & White and Memorial counties, employing more than 73,000 anticipated to be complete in 2019.
Hermann, both founded as faith-based people across the state. Both have strong organizations, share similar missions and ties to the academic medical community, For additional details and updates, visit
values. Equally important, they share and together will be positioned to www.TransformingHealthTogether.com.
like-minded, forward-thinking visions expand those affiliations to advance for the future. This proposed combined medical training and research programs health system is positioned to become a while continuing to attract and retain the national model for integrated, consumer- very best talent.
centric, cost-effective care.
“This is about two mission-driven
Together, the two systems include
68 hospital campuses, more than 1,100
organizations — both committed to care delivery sites, nearly 14,000
making safe, high-quality healthcare more employed, independent and academic
big-picture benefit over immediate right thing to do for our neighbors, friends
satisfaction. How much more difficult is it and fellow Texans.
to support the wellness of a population?
Although challenging, the journey to
Letter from
the Chair
Much of the current narrative in healthcare
is centered on the idea of “wellness.”
But what does “wellness” really mean?
The Foundation is instrumental in
helping Baylor Scott & White move
wellness is worth the trip. My company, healthcare in the right direction, reflected
Bank of Texas, has been promoting our in our publication’s new name, The
employees’ wellness for many years now Compass. As friends and supporters of
through incentives, education, hands- Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation,
on programs and other offerings. There together we all have the unique privilege
has been no shortage of time, effort or and honor to support this mission. Helping
money spent in this endeavor. There is an to guide us are 20 new board members
excitement around the effort to improve who will help us navigate this new
the collective health of our team. landscape of possibility. I hope you will
The benefits are clear. We have a
workforce that is healthier and more
note their names in this issue.
And please, join us on this journey to
It has the generic sound that implies engaged than ever. Our productivity is promote and facilitate proactive, innovative
“synergy” or “matrix,” like other corporate up. Absenteeism is down. The healthcare wellness in the communities we serve.
terms. In reality, wellness is a simple idea: costs shared by our employees and the it refers to being in a state of good health company have been stable.
— physically, mentally, emotionally and
Baylor Scott & White Health is focused
spiritually. In action, I think of wellness in on achieving similar results for a much
terms of body, mind and soul. larger population by making healthcare
We all know that simple ideas don’t
This new direction is exciting.
better and communities healthier.
always translate into easy realities. Not only is the healthcare industry overall
Achieving wellness as an individual moving toward being rewarded for
requires being proactive, disciplined and wellness, but we also know from years
even sacrificial, at times, as we prioritize spent in this mission that it is simply the
Norm Bagwell
Chair, Board of Directors
Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation
To learn more about any Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation initiative, contact the Foundation at 214.820.3136 or
email DallasFoundation@ BSWH ealth.org. Write to us at 3600 Gaston Avenue, Barnett Tower Suite 100 , Dallas, TX 75246-1800 .
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