Berger Health System Officially Joins OhioHealth as 12th Member Hospital

OhioHealth and Berger Health System announce today that Berger Hospital has officially become the 12^th full-member hospital of Columbus-based OhioHealth. OhioHealth’s newest hospital has been named OhioHealth Berger Hospital.

The two parties reached an agreement to bring Berger on as a full-member hospital in January following approvals from the OhioHealth Board of Directors, the Berger Board of Governors, Circleville City Council and the Pickaway County Commissioners.

The move to membership caps a decade old relationship between OhioHealth and Berger that has been, since 2015, an “exclusive partnership” that brought a host of additional services and specialty physicians to the Circleville community to provide the latest care and treatments for patients.

In November 2017, Berger pursued and Circleville voters approved a ballot measure that enabled a then publicly-owned Berger to explore a closer affiliation with another health system like OhioHealth, which was not possible under their current ownership structure.

While joining OhioHealth is a significant change for Berger, leaders reassure residents that they can expect the same high level of care they have come to expect at their local hospital.

“Berger has a strong, nearly ninety-year history of serving the Circleville community and joining OhioHealth will only enhance that legacy,” says Tim Colburn, president, OhioHealth Berger Hospital. “You can expect the same quality care that we have always provided, supported by the strength and expertise of the OhioHealth system,” says Colburn.

Adding a 12^th hospital is a significant feat for OhioHealth, but the system says it is confident that it is the right move for both OhioHealth and Circleville.

“We are honored and privileged to be chosen by Berger and by Circleville to ensure that this community continues to have access to high quality healthcare for decades to come,” says Cheryl Herbert, senior vice president regional operations, OhioHealth. “Joining OhioHealth gives Berger full access to the resources and expertise of a large health system and enables us to keep advanced care and treatments right here in Circleville,” says Herbert.

As a result of the merger, OhioHealth will invest $46 million in Circleville over five years for new capital projects, assumption of outstanding debt, commitments for physician recruitment, and employee investments including education, training, and the opportunity for Berger Hospital employees to retain their Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) benefits.

The physicians and staff of Berger Health Partners will also be integrated into the OhioHealth Physician Group and continue to see patients locally. Similarly, healthcare philanthropy for Berger Hospital will become part of the OhioHealth Foundation. Berger Health Foundation will continue to operate, will rename itself, and will dedicate itself to other community initiatives.