Bon Secours Health System ended its corporate membership Tuesday in the Altoona Regional Health System, officials from both organizations announced Wednesday.
The move comes as work continues on a project that will result of the closing of the Bon Secours Hospital Campus later this year.
"Altoona Regional is a values-based and mission-driven organization very consistent with that of a faith-based facility. It offers community-oriented, not-for-profit health care. Its board, leadership team and staff are committed to the health and well-being of the community," Bon Secours System CEO Rich Statuto said in a statement.
Altoona Hospital and Bon Secours-Holy Family Regional Health System merged in November 2004, forming Altoona Regional Health System.
"The partnership established in 2004 between Altoona Hospital and Bon Secours helped build a stronger system of health care for our community. The progress continues to this day and will continue into the future thanks to that partnership," Altoona Regional Board of Directors Chairman Rob Halbritter said.
A $60 million project has been under way at Altoona Regional since 2009 that involves construction and/ or renovation at the Altoona Hospital Campus, the former Altoona Center and the Station Medical Center and the associated relocation of services.
When the project is completed by the end of the year, all Altoona Regional acute care and outpatient services will be consolidated at the Altoona Hospital Campus and Station Medical Center. All health care services will end on the Bon Secours Hospital Campus, and that facility will close.
Bon Secours Ministries also withdrew as canonical sponsor of the Bon Secours Hospital Campus. Pastoral Care will continue its faith-based ministry to patients, families and employees at both hospital campuses, and Mass will continue to be celebrated at both sites.
