Banner Health announced that the merger of Mogollon Health Alliance (MHA) into Banner has been consummated and a definitive agreement has been signed with Payson Hospital Corporation. Banner will assume operation of the 44-bed Payson Regional Medical Center on August 1, 2015. No interruptions in services are anticipated during this transition.
“We were anxious to see this transaction finalized so that we can concentrate on the transition of clinical services, physician recruitment and connecting with the hospital employees and volunteers,” said Becky Kuhn, Executive Vice President for Community Delivery at Banner Health. “The hospital has served patients and the community well for many years and we are excited to build upon that legacy.”
The hospital, to be renamed Banner Payson Medical Center, will continue to operate under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Lance Porter. Porter recently accepted an offer to join Banner Health. The nearly 350 Payson Regional employees will be transitioning their employment to Banner Health effective August 1 when the transaction is complete.
“We have had great opportunities to begin meeting with hospital employees in the last week, and look forward to interacting regularly with Lance and his team now that the business side of this transaction is complete,” said Todd Werner, President of the Arizona East Division of Banner Health. “I am very pleased that this wonderful group of people is joining the Banner family.”
“One of the highest priorities for our community is to provide world class, affordable health care while maintaining our hometown quality of life,” said Mayor Kenny Evans. “This merger is the culmination of thousands of hours of effort on the part of teams of medical experts and community leaders. This is a big step for MHA but a giant leap forward for Payson.”
In connection with the merger, Banner made a major donation to MHA Foundation, a newly formed organization that will carry on the mission and tradition of MHA, including the development of more opportunities for higher education within the Payson community. The donation will enable the new Foundation to fulfill its mission of providing education and quality healthcare outcomes in Rim Country for generations to come.
Banner has committed to a capital investment of $25 million in Banner Payson Medical Center over the next seven years.
Banner will look to maintain or grow the clinical services currently offered at Payson Regional, including the growth of Telehealth services. It is Banner’s intent to keep Payson patients in the community for care whenever possible.
Discussions with Banner Health were initiated by MHA as a result of the impending expiration of an 18-year lease agreement with Payson Hospital Corporation.
Banner Health has a national reputation for clinical quality and innovation in the delivery of health care. Banner is one of the top performing health systems in the U.S. based on clinical quality according to Truven Health Analytics. Truven, formerly Thomson Reuters, found that Banner Health has higher survival rates, fewer complications and system-wide clinical excellence. They have recognized Banner as one of the top five large health systems nationally for three of the past five years.
