AdventHealth, a leading healthcare organization based in Florida, has recently announced a significant development in its expansion strategy. The organization has signed a definitive agreement to take over the management of St. Luke’s Hospital in Columbus, North Carolina. St. Luke’s Hospital, a critical access hospital that serves the Western Carolinas, will now be under the management of AdventHealth.
In addition to St. Luke’s Hospital, the agreement also includes several physician and ambulatory care clinics. The transition to AdventHealth Polk, as the hospital will be renamed, is expected to be completed by October. During this transition period, the current management team will continue to oversee operations to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for all team members, physicians, and patients.
The decision to transfer management to AdventHealth was approved by the Polk County Board of Commissioners in June. This move will align St. Luke’s Hospital with AdventHealth Hendersonville, located in neighboring Henderson County, to provide comprehensive care to the residents of Western North Carolina. Brandon Nudd, president and CEO of AdventHealth Hendersonville, expressed excitement about the partnership and the shared commitment to providing high-quality, faith-based care that focuses on the holistic well-being of individuals.
AdventHealth’s decision to rename the hospital as AdventHealth Polk reflects its national network and brand identity. With a history of over 20 years of expansion and growth, AdventHealth has unified its various brands under the name AdventHealth in 2019. Operating more than 50 hospitals in nine states, AdventHealth is one of the largest faith-based health systems in the country. The organization also operates over 1,200 care sites, including emergency rooms, urgent care centers, home health and hospice agencies, and medical office buildings.
Terry Shaw, president and CEO of AdventHealth, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to bring their unique promise of whole-person care to the community in Polk County and the surrounding areas. Bill Miller, a board member and chair of St. Luke’s Hospital, highlighted the hospital’s longstanding legacy of providing high-quality healthcare services to the community and expressed confidence in continuing to deliver exceptional care as part of AdventHealth’s national network.
This transition marks a significant milestone for both AdventHealth and St. Luke’s Hospital, as they come together to enhance healthcare services and improve patient outcomes in Western North Carolina. With a shared commitment to holistic care and community well-being, AdventHealth Polk is poised to continue the legacy of excellence established by St. Luke’s Hospital for nearly a century.
