Baptist Health System, Brookwood look to join forces

Baptist Health System announced that a non-binding letter of intent had been signed with Brookwood Medical Center in December. This letter could lead to a new joint company of Brookwood Medical Center, Baptist’s four hospitals and any related businesses.

Currently, the two companies are in a 90-day due diligence period. A final agreement is expected in March at the end of the due diligence but not yet guaranteed.

If an agreement is reached, this new company would include Shelby Baptist Medical Center, located at 2610 Pelham Parkway, and the Brookwood freestanding emergency department (FED) being built at the intersection of U.S. 280 and Highway 119.

The new joint business would include more than 1,700 beds, 7,300 employees and 1,500 affiliated physicians, according to a press release by Baptist Health System. More than 70 primary care and specialty clinics would be incorporated into the company.

“We are excited to engage in an exclusive dialogue about developing a joint venture with Tenet Healthcare,” said Baptist Health System CEO Keith Parrott in a Dec. 15 press release. “This potential partnership represents an opportunity to strengthen our collective efforts and enhance healthcare across central Alabama while preserving and honoring the Baptist name, maintaining our Christian values and supporting our faith-based approach to healthcare.”