University of Maryland Medical System has agreed to acquire St. Joseph Medical Center in Towson, Md., a member of Catholic Health Initiatives, and plans to turn the hospital into a surgery center, according to a Baltimore Sun report.
The St. Joseph Medical Center board of directors recommended the transfer of ownership, according to a news release. The recommendation comes as the hospital faces a number of challenges, including a surgical scandal involving a cardiologist and declining revenue and patient admissions.
The parties will now enter into exclusive negotiations. If they can reach a definitive agreement, the transfer would then require approval by CHI, federal, state and church authorities.
If the transfer goes through, UMMS intends to invest in upgrades to St. Joseph Medical Center as it turns the hospital into a surgical center.
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