Important announcement regarding Steward Health Care and HonorHealth
Watch the leadership update here.
We are thrilled to share that effective Wednesday, Sept. 11, HonorHealth will be managing the operations of four Steward Health Care Arizona-based facilities, and multiple outpatient physician practices.
The facilities are:
- Mountain Vista Medical Center in Mesa
- St. Luke’s Hospital in Tempe
- Steward Mesa Hospital – Emergency Room
- Florence Hospital in Florence
- Multiple outpatient physician practices
Steward Health Care declared bankruptcy in May and is divesting its properties around the country to various parties. Starting Sept. 11, HonorHealth will begin converting licenses and operating systems during an interim transition period, after which HonorHealth plans to assume operational ownership.
A public announcement was made on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Communications to Steward Health Care employees and their medical staff have also been sent. Communication with the community will be ongoing.
We remain committed to responsible healthcare development, and we believe acquiring the operations of existing facilities is the most effective way to optimize our resources. We’ll continue to carefully assess the integration effort and share updates as we gather additional information. A steering committee has been established to govern that integration effort. Be reassured that you will not need to do anything differently unless specifically requested by the committee.
We’re excited for the opportunity to bring our HonorHealth brand of high-quality care to communities in the East Valley and Florence. Throughout this transition, our focus will be on providing a safe and engaging environment to benefit all patients, physicians and team members.
Stay tuned to the HonorHealth Medical Staff newsletter for ongoing updates about the transition.
FAQs:
Q: Why is this happening?
A: Earlier this year, Steward Health Care declared bankruptcy, leading to their facilities being up for sale. As part of our commitment to responsible healthcare development, we believe acquiring the four existing facilities, multiple outpatient physician practices and their established workforce is the best way to ensure patients continue to have access to great healthcare.
Q: Will the same physicians and other team members continue working at these facilities?
A: To continue providing high-quality care, our intention is to retain all Steward Health Care staff, physicians and other team members as part of the operational ownership transition.
Q: Will the signs at each of these locations change?
A: Yes. All facilities will be rebranded to HonorHealth
Q: What happens between Wednesday, Sept. 11, when HonorHealth begins managing the facilities, and Tuesday, Oct. 1, when HonorHealth plans to assume operational ownership of the facilities?
A: It takes time to transition licensure from Steward Health Care to HonorHealth, and to switch over to new tools and systems – like electronic medical records. Starting Sept. 11, HonorHealth will be managing the facilities using Steward’s software and tools. A transition to our standard operating procedures is planned to be completed by Oct. 1.
Q: Will the impacted locations remain open during the transition?
A: Yes, these locations will remain open during the transition period.