The University of Alabama System’s board of trustees recently approved an agreement to acquire Ascension St. Vincent’s Health System, with Birmingham-based UAB set to assume ownership of all care sites. This move comes after a history of collaboration between the two organizations, with the recent agreement seen as a natural progression towards achieving their shared goal of improving access to care.
Dawn Bulgarella, CEO of UAB Health System, stated in a news release that patients will continue to have access to healthcare services and providers they trust, as well as gaining access to a larger care network once the transaction is complete. Both health systems plan to continue serving their respective communities even after the acquisition, with Ascension’s Foundation for Health Equity continuing to provide grants to nonprofit organizations.
UAB Health, a $6.4 billion system, aims to strengthen hospitals in the state, especially as financial difficulties have led to the closure of hospitals across the country. Ms. Bulgarella expressed the shared vision and mission of both organizations in providing life-changing care and improving the health and lives of those they serve. She highlighted the commitment to support the continued operations of Ascension St. Vincent’s and provide opportunities for caregivers and associates to remain in their current positions, ensuring fulfilling and meaningful careers in service to patients and communities.
