Agreement to Solidify Affiliation Plans

MIAMI, Fla. – Oct. 2, 2015 – Baptist Health South Florida, headquartered in Coral Gables, and Bethesda Health, headquartered in Boynton Beach, have signed an agreement to merge, pursuant to a 24-month transition period culminating on September 30, 2017. During the transition period, both organizations will collaborate to enhance effectiveness in their operations and share best practices to address the ongoing evolution of the healthcare industry.

“While significant challenges are ahead in healthcare, it is essential to forge partnerships that can ensure our organizations remain on the leading edge as providers of quality medical care,” said Roger L. Kirk, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Bethesda Health. “As not-for-profit hospitals, we share similar missions and a common vision for improving the health of our respective communities that can be significantly strengthened by this affiliation.”

“We are very optimistic about the steps we are taking to affiliate with Bethesda Health,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health South Florida. “Our organizations share similar values, and together we will develop and share best practices that can only enhance our commitment to our patients, employees and the communities we serve. Additionally, as the healthcare industry changes, it is essential for progressive healthcare organizations to adjust their operations to remain accountable and strong.”

Both Baptist Health and Bethesda Health have longstanding reputations in South Florida for being comprehensive healthcare organizations that provide high-quality, compassionate care to their respective communities. Both organizations will be actively collaborating over the next two years. Full affiliation is scheduled to occur on October 1, 2017, subject to compliance with contractual provisions and regulatory requirements.

About Baptist Health South Florida

Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital) and nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities spanning three counties. The not-for-profit Baptist Health has approximately 16,000 employees and 2,200 affiliated physicians, and also includes Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Outpatient Services and internationally renowned centers of excellence. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities. Baptist Health was listed by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America (#23 in the nation) and has remained on the list for 15 years. It was also recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fifth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute. Visit BaptistHealth.net.

About Bethesda Health, Inc.

Bethesda Health is comprised of two not-for-profit hospitals, Bethesda Hospital East and Bethesda Hospital West, which are supported by the generosity of philanthropic community members through the Bethesda Hospital Foundation. Through our community support, we have grown to 670 physicians and more than 2,500 employees. Bethesda Health includes Bethesda Health Physician Group, Bethesda Heart Hospital, Bethesda Orthopaedics Institute, Cornell Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine, the Center for Women and Children, which includes Level III neonatal intensive care and pediatric intensive care, the Bethesda College of Health Sciences and accredited centers for Stroke, Chest Pain and Heart Failure. Visit BethesdaWeb.com