Texas Health, LHP form joint venture to acquire Wilson N. Jones Medical Center

Texas Health Resources (Texas Health), the largest health care system in North Texas in terms of patients served, and LHP Hospital Group, Inc. (LHP), have formed a joint venture to acquire Wilson N. Jones Medical Center in Sherman, Texas. Texas Health will own a majority equity interest in the joint venture that owns Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital-WNJ (WNJ) and LHP will manage the operation of the hospital. Texas Health and LHP will share governance of the joint venture which will invest $25 million in capital improvements over the next four years.

“This relationship will make us a stronger, better hospital as we bring a new level of healthcare to our community.”

"The journey to this partnership has been a long one but it has brought us to a new day for health care for the communities Wilson N. Jones has served for over 96 years. Throughout this process, the dedication of WNJ's employees, physicians, volunteers, and board members and the support of our new partners, Texas Health and LHP, have been exceptional. The process has reinforced our commitment to quality and compassionate care that WNJ has been known for," said Gail Utter, chair of the WNJ board of directors. "The name may have changed, but the mission of improving health has not."

"This partnership will position WNJ to enhance and expand the services that we currently provide," states Pat Flynn, WNJ president & CEO. "WNJ will also continue to stay current with our technology demands for our community so the hospital continues to attract top-quality physicians and hospital staff."

"LHP and Texas Health Resources share many common values including a focus on meeting community needs, a commitment to advancing our relationships with physicians and our employees, and a dedication to providing safe, quality care for patients," said Steve Hanson, senior executive vice president of growth and integration for Texas Health Resources. "Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital -WNJ furthers our long-term strategy to keep pace with the growing population of North Texas. This joint venture is an example of the great things that can happen when health care organizations and community leaders work together to improve the health of the people in the communities we are privileged to serve."

"The medical staff is very excited about our new partnership with THR and LHP," said Gary Marlow, MD, WNJ chief of staff. "This relationship will make us a stronger, better hospital as we bring a new level of healthcare to our community."

Dan Moen, LHP CEO, commented, "LHP is honored to partner with Texas Health Resources, one of the largest faith-based, nonprofit health care systems in the United States. Together, we are committed to continuing the quality care WNJ has delivered for almost 100 years. We will bring the very best resources of both LHP and Texas Health together to create a collaborative hospital environment that includes physicians, employees and the community." Moen added, "Our unique model of shared governance will give WNJ the resources and support to be a premier health care provider for many years to come."