From Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–Orlando Health assumed a majority interest in Brookwood Baptist Health on Wednesday, marking the occasion with receptions at each of the five hospitals in the system that serve Central Alabama.
Starting Oct. 1, Orlando Health, a private, not-for-profit healthcare organization that serves the southeastern United States and Puerto Rico, will manage day-to-day operations of Brookwood Baptist Health in partnership with Baptist Health System.
Baptist Health System will remain as an owner in the partnership and will continue to be a faith-based organization, according to a statement from the organization.
“This is a great day for Brookwood Baptist Health and Orlando Health,” said Thibaut van Marcke, SVP, Orlando Health, who will lead the Alabama region.
“Our partnership offers a new day in healthcare for central Alabamians. With our proven track record of successful expansion lifting the care at our partner hospitals, we are dedicated to making this healthcare system the best in the state and beyond.”
“We’re excited to have Orlando Health as a partner,” said Amy Allen, president and CEO, Baptist Health System.
“Their dedication to excellence and improving patient care has been repeatedly recognized with national honors from leading quality and patient-safety organizations. This is a great day for our patients, our physicians, our team and our community.”
In recognition of the occasion, celebrations were held throughout the day at all five hospitals so all Brookwood Baptist Health team members could participate and meet current Orlando Health staff.
Van Marcke, Allen, and Orlando Health President and CEO David Strong traveled to all five hospitals to personally welcome Brookwood Baptist Health team members to the organization.
Registered in-patients also received a note from Van Marcke and a special branded wellness kit in recognition of the day’s significance.
