Phelps Health and Salem Memorial District Hospital announce possible affiliation

Phelps Health of Rolla and Salem Memorial District Hospital (SMDH) are discussing an affiliation to continue providing essential healthcare services for residents of Dent County and the surrounding areas. The announcement was made Thursday.

The two healthcare entities entered a nonbinding letter of intent on Aug. 28 which describes their shared vision for the arrangement. Both parties will begin the due diligence process before the negotiated affiliation starts, which is anticipated in early 2025.

“Representatives from Phelps Health and SMDH have been in discussions, and we believe this partnership could be a significant step forward on our shared mission to provide quality healthcare for years to come,” said Brooke Bollman, CEO of SMDH. “For nearly 60 years, SMDH has been integral to Dent County and its surrounding communities. Ensuring our patients continue to have access to the resources they need to achieve better health remains a top priority.”

“We are excited to work with SMDH to improve the health and well-being of our local communities,” said Jason Shenefield, CEO of Phelps Health. “Many of our patients and employees are residents of Dent County. We are deeply committed to partnering with SMDH and look forward to continuing to provide accessible, high-quality healthcare in the region.”

The collaboration between Phelps Health and SMDH is driven by a shared commitment to improving community health. According to Shenefield, “Together, we can significantly benefit the individuals we care for and allow our mutual communities to continue to thrive.”

About Phelps Health

Phelps Health serves more than 200,000 residents in south-central Missouri. Phelps Health is county-owned, non-tax supported and is overseen by a five-member elected board. Phelps Health employs more than 1,900 people with 100-plus providers. Phelps Health, which includes a hospital licensed for 240 patient beds, serves a six-county area, with its main campus and several clinics in Rolla, Missouri. Phelps Health also has clinics in Salem, St. James, Vienna and Waynesville. For more information, visit phelpshealth.org.

About Salem Memorial District Hospital

Salem Memorial District Hospital (SMDH) is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital, in the heart of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. SMDH offers the following services: a rural health clinic, an emergency room with a Level 4 Stroke and STEMI Center, an 18-bed long-term care facility, an ambulance service and an Air-Evac Life team on site. SMDH employs more than 200 people and serves Dent County and a portion of Shannon, Crawford and Iron counties. For more information, visit smdh.net.

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