Russellville Hospital has been an important part of the Franklin County community for many years, and this past week, the hospital was purchased by a group that hopes to ensure the hospital will continue to be an important part of the community for many years to come.

This past Thursday, Curae Health announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Russellville Hospital as well as two other LifePoint hospitals in northwest Alabama.

In addition to Russellville Hospital, Curae Health also acquired Lakeland Community Hospital in Haleyville and Northwest Medical Center in Winfield.

As part of Curae Health, which is a not-for-profit health system specializing in positioning rural community hospitals for long-term success, these three hospitals will have a strategic affiliation with Huntsville Hospital Health System, which includes Alabama’s largest community-owned and -governed, not-for-profit hospital serving patients throughout north Alabama and southern Tennessee.

“Curae Health was founded to strengthen rural hospitals and improve the healthcare available in rural communities,” Curae Health CEO Steve Clapp said.

“I am excited to build our system with these three great Alabama hospitals. Together with Huntsville Hospital Health System, we have great opportunities to improve care across northwest Alabama.”

According to officials, the partnership will allow Russellville Hospital, Lakeland Community Hospital and Northwest Medical Center to have access to enhanced physician recruiting, continuing education programs and other clinical and operational support through Huntsville Hospital Health System.

Curae officials said the acquisitions of the three hospitals will be seamless for patients since all providers and contact information for the hospitals will remain the same.

According to the terms of the definitive agreement, Curae Health will maintain all services currently provided at Russellville Hospital, Lakeland Community Hospital and Northwest Medical Center, and all employees of the hospitals will be retained. Services currently provided at Russellville Hospital, which is a 100-bed acute care facility that has been fully accredited by The Joint Commission, include a 24-hour Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit/Cardiac Care Unit, Respiratory Therapy, Inpatient and Outpatient Diagnostic and Treatment Services, Rehabilitation Services, Cardiac Catheterization, Ambulatory Surgery, Laboratory, and Home Health.

“Russellville Hospital, Northwest Medical Center and Lakeland Community Hospital have been closely affiliated for many years,” said Christine Stewart, CEO of Russellville Hospital and Northwest Medical Center.

“By joining Curae Health, we are honored to continue our work of providing excellent health care services for our communities with a superior team of strong employees, physicians and communities.”

Officials said the final closing of the acquisitions is expected by Dec. 31.