March 2004 - The UAB Health System and Baptist Health have entered into an agreement whereby UAB will provide management assistance to Baptist Health, including the three hospitals—Baptist Medical Center South and Baptist Medical Center East in Montgomery, and Prattville Baptist Hospital.

"The central region of Alabama is growing, and the health of our system is very important to the welfare of this community," said Baptist Health board chairman John Henig Jr. "We are delighted that UAB, an institution internationally known for its high-quality, innovative health care, will be bringing its management expertise to bear here."

"Baptist Health has an excellent reputation for providing essential preventive and acute medical services to the central Alabama region," said David Fine, CEO of the UAB Health System. "UAB was approached by Baptist Health leadership for assistance in improving financial performance. As a $1.7 billion net patient revenue integrated delivery system, UAB enjoys economic opportunities not currently available to Baptist Health. We are committed to help Baptist Health enhance efficiencies and revenues so that it remains a vital part of the Montgomery area community."

Fine noted that education and service to community are key components of UAB’s mission. Baptist Medical Center South has long been a training site for some 18-20 UAB residents annually. "Sustaining that educational effort is very important to UAB," Fine said, "as is serving the health needs of the people of Alabama and the needs of sister organizations who are likewise engaged." Almost 40 percent of physicians at the Montgomery Baptist hospitals are graduates of the School of Medicine at UAB.

The management agreement is subject to ratification by both organizations’ boards within 30 days.

John Henig said "I want to thank Joe Espy and Jim Wilson, III for their untiring efforts to help facilitate our agreement with UAB. I am confident that the relationship between Baptist Health and the UAB Health System will enable Baptist to fulfill its mission to deliver quality health care services to the citizens of central Alabama."