Piedmont Healthcare and University Health Care System in Augusta have signed a non-binding Letter-of-Intent (LOI), initiating a period of due diligence between the two organizations. Should the negotiations prove successful, University Health will become Piedmont’s regional “hub” for clinical services in the greater Augusta area.

University Health Care System includes three hospital campuses, comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services, three skilled nursing facilities, nine urgent care facilities, rehabilitative care and more than 90 employed primary and specialty care providers. The service area of the system includes more than 25 counties in eastern Georgia and South Carolina. 

“We are excited about the potential of partnering with University Health Care System to serve the patients of the greater Augusta region,” said Kevin Brown, president and CEO of Piedmont Healthcare. “We have a great deal of respect for the work they’re doing and the caliber of the administrative and clinical team. We share a common culture that includes a focus on quality and safety, fiscal responsibility and service to our collective communities. These are hallmarks of a good partnership, so I’m pleased that we’re able to explore further collaboration.”

"We are thrilled about this strategic move to advance healthcare in our community," said Hugh Hamilton, Chairman of University's Board of Directors and the Richmond County Hospital Authority. "We know the future will demand more of us, and our partnership with Piedmont will enable us to transform healthcare for the Augusta region - ensuring University Health Care System can continue to provide exceptional care and fulfill our mission of improving the health of those we serve for future generations."

While the terms of the potential partnership are yet to be finalized, the LOI includes a commitment by Piedmont to establish University as a clinical hub in Augusta, bringing resources, clinical expertise and services to the community, allowing residents to get the care they need close to home.

“We are deliberate about the partnerships that we pursue and are blessed that a system of this caliber has decided to choose Piedmont as their partner after a very thorough and competitive process. We are excited that the Board has approved the LOI and look forward to serving the healthcare needs of the greater Augusta region,” continued Brown. “We have no doubt that together we can add value for our collective communities as we navigate the immense pressure on our industry.”

For additional information about University Health, visit universityhealth.org. For more information about Piedmont, visit piedmont.org.

Last month, Piedmont also signed a purchase agreement with HCA Healthcare, which, pending regulatory review, would add four hospitals to Piedmont’s network – three of which received A grades from Leapfrog in the most recent term. While the announcements come at a similar time, the integration timelines would vary.