Plano, Texas – June 28, 2018 – Community Hospital Consulting, the management and consulting arm of Community Hospital Corporation (CHC), is pleased to announce a new, five-year management agreement with Southwest Health System of Cortez, Colo. Management services by CHC Consulting will begin on July 1, 2018.

On June 27, 2018, the health system Board of Directors voted unanimously in favor of the new relationship, according to Paul Deshayes, Chairman, Southwest Health System Board of Directors.

CHC Senior Vice President Craig Sims shared, “We are excited to bring CHC’s expertise in hospital management and talent in critical areas of hospital operations to strengthen SHS. CHC’s mission to guide, support and enhance the mission of community hospitals and healthcare providers aligns with the SHS mission to serve its community with quality healthcare for years to come.”

Beginning July 1, CHC Consulting will assume day-to-day operational responsibility for the health system, a continuation of the Operational Assessment work that has already begun with the Southwest Health System Board and health system staff. This comprehensive assessment includes the development of specific departmental actions plans and the implementation of recommendations for cost reduction and revenue enhancement.

CHC Consulting is also providing interim CEO and CFO services for Southwest Health System in advance of recruitment for permanent executives for both roles. On April 16, 2018, Anthony G. Sudduth, CPA, FACHE, FHFMA, began serving as Interim Chief Executive Officer for Southwest Health System. With 30+ years of senior executive experience in healthcare finance for both not-for-profit and for-profit facilities, Sudduth has helped to reduce costs, improve revenue and achieve growth targets.

On June 5, 2018, Sam Radke became Interim CFO for Southwest Health System. He has 30 years of experience in healthcare, administration and finance providing CFO services for small- to medium-sized healthcare providers in the Rocky Mountain area. Most recently, Radke was Vice President of Finance at a Critical Access Hospital in Estes Park, Colo.

Southwest Health System is comprised of 10 clinics offering primary care and specialty services and Southwest Memorial Hospital, a Critical Access Hospital. Originally opened to care for the local community in 1914, SHS offers the latest in medical and surgical technology, emergency care, a vast array of out-patient medical and wellness services.

CHC Consulting specializes in the management and operation of smaller, community-based hospitals across the country.

About Community Hospital Corporation – HELP WHERE HOSPITALS NEED IT®

Community Hospital Corporation owns, manages and consults with hospitals through three distinct organizations – CHC Hospitals, CHC Consulting and CHC ContinueCARE, which share a common purpose to guide, support and enhance the mission of community hospitals and healthcare providers. Based in Plano, Texas, CHC provides the resources and experience community hospitals need to improve quality outcomes, patient satisfaction and financial performance. For more information about CHC, please visit www.communityhospitalcorp.com.