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For Immediate Release July 30, 2021

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SIH is pleased to announce the Illinois Health Facilities Services and Review Board today approved a certificate of exemption for an ownership change allowing Harrisburg Medical Center (HMC) to join the SIH family. Following the closing of the transaction, to be effective on August 1, 2021, the real work of improving health in the Harrisburg community will begin as part of the formal integration process with SIH.

“We are grateful for the Illinois Health Facilities Services and Review Board’s decision, which paves the way for SIH and HMC to join together,” said SIH President and CEO Rex Budde. “As a result of this affiliation, local residents will be provided with increased access to care, including an expansion of critically-needed mental health services, and an increase in quality and outcomes of care through enhanced facilities and technology.”

Don Hutson, HMC’s chief executive officer, echoed Budde’s sentiment, and looks forward to new opportunities for aligned care and enhanced clinical standards.

“It is important to note we expect this relationship to result in increased educational opportunities for health occupations, which will both benefit the local workforce and increase the availability of healthcare workers in southeastern Illinois,” said Hutson.

 

The transaction also creates numerous opportunities for cost savings for HMC. For example, HMC’s information technology and software, including its electronic medical records system, will be transitioned to SIH’s platform, leading to increased efficiencies, an improved revenue cycle and lower costs.

 

“Becoming part of a larger health system will reduce Harrisburg Medical Center’s costs through economies of scale and reduction of overhead, as well as the ability to access more competitive pricing for supplies, drugs and other services,” Hutson added.

SIH has been clinically affiliated with Harrisburg Medical Center since 2012, partnering on telemedicine, physician recruitment and outreach.

“Overall, with improved medical collaboration and systematizing of best practice protocols, we’ll work together to improve quality of care, patient safety and patient satisfaction,” said SIH Board Chair Dr. Robert Mees.

Dennis Murphy, chair of the Harrisburg Medical Center Board of Directors, concurred.

“The commitments made by SIH will help ensure the longevity of HMC as well as create enhancements across several lines of medical services, technology, infrastructure and career paths for employees. The affiliation, directly and indirectly, will be a huge economic boost to our region. It's truly a win-win-win for HMC, SIH and the people who live and work in our service areas,” said Murphy.

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For additional information or interview requests, please contact SIH Communications Coordinator Rosslind Rice at 618.534.2848 or Harrisburg Medical Center Director of Marketing and Foundation Jennifer Vinyard at 618.841.8806.