An academic health system is in talks to acquire a 349-bed Mobile, Alabama, hospital from Ascension.
Under the agreement, Ascension Providence Health System, its flagship Ascension Providence Hospital, and affiliated clinics would join Mobile-based University of South Alabama Health Care Authority. USA Health includes University Hospital in Mobile, a women's and children's hospital, a cancer institute and a network of additional locations.
The deal is expected to close in the fall. Plans call for the academic health system to acquire the hospital and its network of outpatient operations. The acquisition is to include the affiliated physician practices of Ascension Medical Group.
In a release on the agreement, Dr. John Marymont, vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama, said the acquisition will enhance the academic health system's capabilities and "create jobs and opportunities for more people across a wide spectrum to bolster Mobile and the surrounding area."
Beyond Mobile, Ascension has a presence in the greater Birmingham area in Alabama. The health system also has a presence in communities along the Gulf Coast.