Saint Francis Healthcare System, SSM Health announce agreement to expand care

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Saint Francis Healthcare System and SSM Health announced the organizations have entered into an agreement to expand access to care in southeast Missouri.

Saint Francis and SSM Health are expanding an already established relationship, which has primarily focused on delivering exceptional maternal/fetal medicine and stroke care to people and families in Cape Girardeau and surrounding communities.

The organizations will now work together to share best practices and clinical expertise to further enhance care for everyone they serve.

SSM Health brings complementary sub-specialty care through a large provider network and the nationally recognized expertise of SLUCare Physician Group.

By working together, the organizations have an opportunity to provide patients and families in southeast Missouri with convenient and seamless access to an expanded breadth of highly specialized adult and pediatric services that only an academic medical practice can provide.

SLUCare is a dedicated academic physician division within SSM Health with more than 600 faculty and other medical professionals with academic medical expertise across 50 specialties – including Cardinal Glennon pediatrics.

“We believe healthcare is best delivered locally. Saint Francis and SSM Health will remain strong fully independent Catholic health systems,” said Justin Davison, President and Chief Executive Officer, Saint Francis Healthcare System. “This expanded relationship widens our strategy as we collaborate to find innovative new ways to ensure patients have convenient access to the healthcare services they need – when and where they need it most.”

“As two well-respected Missouri-based Catholic health systems, we have much in common – including similar faith-based missions, values and cultures. We also share a sacred commitment to providing compassionate, holistic care with a special concern for those most in need,” said Jeremy Fotheringham, Regional President, SSM Health. “Together, we will further strengthen and advance our shared Mission in Catholic healthcare to ensure every patient gets the best care
possible, while keeping that care affordable for the individuals and families we serve.”