HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Oct. 1 marks the first day that Jennie Stuart Health and Deaconess Health System will operate fully merged in Hopkinsville, a result that is preceded by community opposition and a lawsuit. JSH says the merger will allow them to strengthen physician recruitment and expand specialty care while bringing in updated technology and equipment.
The hospital is also assuring assured patients and employees that no immediate changes will be made. It will still operate under the Jennie Stuart Health name, while maintaining the same culture and absorbing resources and expertise from Deaconess.
“This is a proud and historic day for Jennie Stuart Health,” Jennie Stuart CEO Eric Lee said. “By joining
Deaconess, we are building on our legacy of excellent care, while opening the door to new
opportunities for growth and expanded services. Our patients, employees and community can be
confident that the compassionate, high-quality care they’ve always known will continue, stronger
than ever.”
The definitive agreement between the two entities was reached in March shortly after the anti-merger group Save Jennie Stuart confirmed that their lawsuit against the deal was dismissed. The group was formed in October of 2024 consisting of several members of the Jennie Stuart Board of Trustees, former board members, community leaders, and past city and county officials.
Under the agreement, Deaconess committed to investing at least $95 million into JSH and pledged to fully fund their transition to Deaconesses’ EHR platform.
“We are honored to welcome Jennie Stuart Health into the Deaconess family,” said Deaconess CEO Shawn McCoy. “Our goal is to support the Hopkinsville region with even greater access to advanced services, additional providers and the same commitment to outstanding patient care that has long been the hallmark of Jennie Stuart.”
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