Deaconess Health System Acquires Jennie Stuart Health as 19th Hospital

As part of the deal, Deaconess will invest at least $95 million into Jennie Stuart and fully fund Jennie Stuart’s transition to Deaconess’ version of the Epic EHR system.

Hopkinsville, Ky.-based Jennie Stuart Health has officially joined Evansville, Ind.-based Deaconess Health System, becoming the 19th hospital in the system’s network.

Under the new acquisition, Jennie Stuart will retain its name and culture while gaining access to Deaconess’ resources and expertise. There will be no immediate changes for patients or employees.

“By joining Deaconess, we are building on our legacy of excellent care while opening the door to new opportunities for growth and expanded services,” Jennie Stuart CEO Eric Lee said in an Oct. 1 news release.

Deaconess CEO Shawn McCoy said the goal is to expand access to “advanced services” and “additional providers” in the Hopkinsville region.

As part of the deal, Deaconess will invest at least $95 million into Jennie Stuart and fully fund Jennie Stuart’s transition to Deaconess’ version of the Epic EHR system. The move would otherwise cost the 194-bed hospital between $40 million and $60 million as a standalone entity.

Jennie Stuart Medical Staff President Matthew Robinson, MD, previously said the hospital was pursuing the switch to Epic but could not afford the system independently. Dr. Robinson said Deaconess “promised a very expedited deployment that once everything is finalized, we could have Epic up and running within six to nine months.”

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