RMH-Sentara merger finalized

RMH officials announced today that the RMH Healthcare merger with Sentara Healthcare is finalized and the official closing date for the transaction is expected to be around May 1.

“Routine filings need to take place, and we expect these to be completed around May 1,” said Jim Krauss, president of RMH Healthcare. “Then RMH will officially be a proud member of the Sentara Healthcare system. We are pleased to be bringing together the best of our two organizations to meet the healthcare needs of our local community. Sentara is positioned to assure that we fulfill our vision of providing exceptional quality and compassionate care for every person, every family, every day.”

RMH will become the ninth hospital in the Sentara Healthcare system of not-for-profit hospitals, Krauss noted.

“Sentara shares our focus on patient safety and quality and is committed to helping us expand our programs and services,” he said. “Sentara also has high employee satisfaction, low turnover and a culture that fosters excellent patient care and customer service, so I think we’ve picked a great partner.”

Norfolk-based Sentara Healthcare will help safeguard RMH’s future with investments in programs and services to meet the needs of a growing community.

“We are delighted to be officially in Harrisonburg, partnering with RMH Healthcare to improve health every day in this vibrant community,” said Sentara CEO David Bernd. “Together, our strengths in the delivery of high-quality healthcare will enable us to meet the evolving health needs of this community for generations to come. In addition, Sentara is committed to keeping the community’s generous donations to RMH local. All funds raised through the RMH Foundation will remain local and serve to meet RMH’s mission. ”

Conclusion of the agreement marks the beginning of a transition period which could take up to a year as RMH Healthcare and Sentara Healthcare integrate operations, IT technologies, business practices and workplace cultures.

“This will be an exciting time for all of us,” said Bernd. “We’re looking forward to having RMH in the Sentara family.”

Krauss added, “As we enter a new and exciting phase in the life of RMH, it is important to remember that we are still RMH — our community’s healthcare provider, committed to our mission to improve health and promote well being–with the support of a new partner who shares that mission.”