South Georgia Medical Center’s Acquisition of Smith Northview Hospital Finalized

The sale of Smith Northview Hospital to South Georgia Medical Center was completed on Thursday, September 1st. Smith Northview Hospital’s name will not change. It will operate as Smith Northview Hospital, A Campus of South Georgia Medical Center. The acquisition of the 45-bed facility makes SGMC the 17th largest hospital in Georgia.“The future of healthcare delivery in south central Georgia and north Florida has never been brighter,” said Randy Sauls, SGMC CEO. “Combining the resources of South Georgia Medical Center and Smith Northview Hospital will enhance the opportunities and availability of healthcare services for the citizens of the communities we serve.”Sam Lewis, CEO of Ameris Health Systems, said, “With the changes ahead in the healthcare industry, combining two strong institutions makes sense. We know SGMC will take care of our patients and employees, and the community will be better served.”The acquisition was finalized following a 120-day, due diligence period. Plans are for both hospitals to continue operating as they have for the next six to 12 months. No employees have lost their positions because of the purchase. Physicians with privileges solely at Smith Northview will see no change at this time, although a process has been established for physicians who want to be credentialed at both facilities.Smith Northview Hospital opened in its current location on North Valdosta Road in Valdosta in 2002, moving from the former Smith Hospital facility in Hahira, where it operated for more than 50 years. The private facility had grown to 45 beds with 600 employees.SGMC is a full-service, community hospital with 335 patient beds and 2,762 full-time employees.  The hospital has aggressive expansion plans for the hospital’s main campus, including a new parking deck and five-story patient tower. (L to R) Robert Bauer: President/COO, Ameris Management Services; Randy Sauls: CEO/Administrator, South Georgia Medical Center; Shamb Purohit: CFO, Smith Northview Hospital; Sam Lewis: CEO Ameris Health Systems; Dr. Kimberly Megow: Chief Medical Officer, South Georgia Medical Center; Bill Cowart: Chairman, The Hospital Authority of Valdosta and Lowndes County, Georgia.