Final agreement signed by Smithville Hospital Authority for July 1 changeover

On Monday night, the Smithville Hospital Authority finalized its agreement for the acquisition of Smithville Regional Hospital by the Seton Family of Hospitals, paving the way for a transition of hospital operations on July 1.

According to board president Earl Walborg, the agreement has been approved by the SHA and is now in Seton’s hands.

“I fully anticipate that the acquisition will proceed on schedule,” Walborg said. “It will be up to Seton to make an official announcement regarding the changeover and I suspect they will do so in a big way.”

Sources said the hospital would be named Seton Smithville Regional Hospital.

Walborg added that the move by Seton was a milestone in the history of the hospital and the change will benefit both parties.

“This acquisition has been the result of considerable deliberations by the board and made in the best interest of the hospital and the community,” Walborg said.

The SHA, having sold properties and leased others to Seton, will continue as an entity.

“The authority will continue to exist and we plan on using the funds we receive to enhance healthcare in Smithville and the Bastrop area,” Walborg said.

The acquisition began in September 2010 when Charles Barnett, president and CEO of the Seton Family of Hospitals, announced that they had entered into a letter of intent with SRH to lease and operate the hospital for 30 years with an optional 20-year extension. At the time, Barnett said the needs of the residents of Bastrop County were in line with the mission of Seton. Citing Seton’s successes in the rural areas of Luling and the Highland Lakes, Barnett said Seton could bring new levels of healthcare to the region by improving care for patients with complex needs, care for the vulnerable and by providing enhanced trauma services.

An official press release from the Seton Family of Hospitals regarding the acquisition is expected on Friday, July 1, which will be made available online at smithvilletimes.com

We welcome discussion on our stories but we will only publish comments that do not violate our Comment Guidelines.