National health care advisors to help evaluate potential partnership, affiliation – BAH release – COOS BAY, Ore. (June 12, 2024) – Bay Area Hospital is beginning a process to explore and evaluate potential opportunities to partner with or become part of a larger healthcare system. With unanimous approval from the hospital district Board of Directors, the hospital has engaged national industry experts Juniper Advisory to guide the process. Building on last year’s progress toward a financial turnaround, the hospital is taking a proactive approach to ensure long-term stability and continued excellence in patient care. “Though our hospital made important financial and operational progress last year – increasing revenues, reducing expenses and creating more access – those successes must be sustained as we set a course for longer-term improvement,” said Brian Moore, President and CEO of Bay Area Hospital. “The exploration process is another step in continuing to meet the evolving needs of our patients, being an employer of choice and maintaining our role as a vital community resource for generations to come.” “Fifty years ago this year, our hospital was born of a merger between two facilities from Coos Bay and North Bend to better serve our community and we’re now being called to think creatively to ensure we last for another 50 years,” Moore added. The district board and hospital leadership will work with Juniper Advisory to examine various strategic options, including partnerships, affiliations, joint ventures, or mergers. Importantly, the board has also reserved the right to discontinue the process at any time and remain independent if deemed to be in the best interest of the hospital and community. The exploration process is expected to last through March 2025. “The healthcare industry is constantly evolving and planning ahead is key to surviving and growing for our community,” said Troy Cribbins, hospital board chairman. “We’re still very early in the process but this is a positive development and we’re optimistic about the months ahead.” Hospitals everywhere are navigating significant challenges, including shifting patient preferences, declining reimbursements, rising labor costs and increased expenses. Independent community hospitals are particularly vulnerable to these pressures. Strategic partnerships or affiliations with larger healthcare organizations can offer invaluable benefits, such as enhanced buying power, access to clinical and quality information, best practices, and stronger positioning with managed care partners. These collaborations can also provide essential resources to support recruitment efforts and provide professional development opportunities for staff. “While we explore potential partnerships or affiliations, our focus remains on maintaining stability in our operations, enhancing patient satisfaction and providing high-quality care,” said Moore. “We look forward to serving our community for generations to come.” What to Know about Bay Area Hospital: Largest hospital on Oregon’s Southern Coast; Largest employer on Oregon’s Southern Coast, with an average of 1050 full- and part-time employees; Increased capacity more than 7% last year; Increased revenues by over 27.6% between fiscal years 2022 and 2024 to reach break-even following COVID-19 losses; Reduced operating losses by $54 million between fiscal years 2022 and 2024; Provided $3.7 million in charity care in 2023; Highly trained clinical teams deliver nearly 600 babies, perform over 4,000 surgeries and triage more than 25,000 ER visits yearly. The hospital is committed to sharing information with the community in the weeks and months ahead and more is available at bayareahospital.org/hereforgood.
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