The board of directors of the San Gorgonio Memorial Healthcare District has approved a letter of intent to create a management agreement between San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital and Desert Care Network.
Steve Barron, San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital CEO, said that the management agreement will have positive implications for patients who rely on the hospital. “This is an exciting and promising step forward for our organization,” Barron said in a public statement. “Desert Care Network shares our mission, our strategic vision, and most importantly our deep respect for the unique role that a public healthcare district plays in serving the needs of its community.”
Michelle Finney, CEO, Desert Care Network
Desert Care Network was selected as the preferred partner for San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital because of its proven healthcare expertise, deep understanding of the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley markets, and successful history of collaboration with other district hospitals in Southern California.
“As part of Tenet Healthcare, Desert Care Network brings access to robust resources and support that will help ensure the long-term strength and stability of the hospital,” said Michelle Finney, Desert Health Network CEO. “We are excited to bring our shared resources together for the benefit of the San Gorgonio community.”
Terms of the management agreement are still being finalized, with the negotiation process expected to continue over the coming months.
San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital is a 79-bed acute care facility owned by the San Gorgonio Memorial Healthcare District to serve the health care needs of northwest Riverside County, including the cities of Banning and Beaumont.
“The proposed management agreement reflects a shared commitment to honoring and continuing the legacy of San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital, while supporting the people who make our care exceptional — our employees, volunteers, and medical staff,” Barron said.
Desert Care Network represents three hospitals and related outpatient services – Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, JFK Memorial Hospital in Indio and Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree. The network includes three trauma centers, a stroke network anchored by the region’s only comprehensive stroke center and the region’s highest level intensive care unit for newborns.
This is a developing story.
