Hospital could join Centura Health

A Grand Junction hospital is looking to join Centura Health’s system, saying Thursday that it has signed a letter of intent to pursue exclusive negotiations with the Centennialbased provider.

Community Hospital said in a statement that the decision to enter talks with Centura Health “reflects its longterm commitment to preserve and expand options for compassionate, high quality health care in the Grand Valley.”

Though the hospital hasn’t struggled as much as other community facilities, one of the challenges Community Hospital faces as an independent facility is the ability to access capital and update its technology, said Chris Thomas, president and chief executive officer.

If acquired by Centura Health, Community Hospital would have access to funds that would allow the hospital system to grow, including updating its computer system, he said.

“A partnership with (Centura Health) really advances our mission,” Thomas said.

With its hospital and physician clinic, Community Hospital has 950 employees.

Across the nation, independent hospitals, especially in rural communities, have struggled to stay open on their own, with many facilities closing or joining larger health systems. More broadly, the health care system has been on an acquisition and merger spree in recent years, with 50 such deals being announced during the first half of 2018, according to Kaufman Hall, a consulting service.

Few details have been provided about the potential deal, which is pending the negotiation of a definitive agreement and regulatory approval. Community Hospital is a nonprofit, so it will need approval from the state attorney general’s office.