Prisma Health nears takeover of Blount Memorial Hospital

MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A step towards a new era for health care in Blount County was taken Thursday as both the Blount Memorial Hospital Board of Directors and the Blount County Commission voted unanimously toward the approval of a letter of intent with the South Carolina-based company Prisma Health.

This decision is being called monumental by many and it came down to three finalists. According to board members and commissioners, all three finalists made compelling offers, but there was something that made board members choose Prisma in the end.

“One of the things that really distinguished Prisma was putting the patient first,” Blount Memorial Hospital Interim CEO Jonathan Smith said. “That’s something we talk about quite a bit and it was something where we really saw a synergy there. Besides that, we really liked the idea of the advancement in technology.”

With Thursday afternoon’s unanimous vote both Blount Memorial and Prisma are expected to hit the ground running to finalize a deal. Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell said he is optimistic about what this means for the community.

“I hope it means great things are coming and I truly believe they are. I believe this is as monumental as the day in 1946 when they passed the resolution to build the hospital,” Mitchell said. “What this partnership can do and the way it can elevate everything about health care in Blount County and that’s what it’s all about, it’s about taking care of our citizens.”

The road to this point was long, however, it now appears the hospital is on the right track to better serving the area.

“This has been a collaborative process between the Blount County Commission, the Blount County Government and the hospital board of directors,” Blount County Commission Chairman Jared Anderson said. “There was widespread recognition that we needed to find a partner for our independent local community hospital. The changing nature of the health-care market made seeking a partner important to us in terms of capital investment, economies of scale and making sure that this remains a hospital that serves the community far into the future.”

The Blount County Commission members voted unanimously to approve this non-binding letter of intent to get the ball rolling for the future of Blount County Memorial Hospital. Once the vote was made, applause broke out in the meeting room showing the sheer excitement there is as this partnership begins.

The two parties are now in a period of exclusive negotiations. 6 News was told a further vote will be needed to fully approve the partnership. That vote will happen sometime in November.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.