Feb. 1 marked the transition of ownership of Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital from the City of Siloam Springs to Community Health Systems of Franklin, Tenn.

The occasion was highlighted with two special events on Feb. 2. The first was a barbecue luncheon in the hospital cafeteria for all hospital employees and volunteers. CHS representatives were present to greet the staff, and a drawing was held for three winners of iPods from the hospital’s 320-plus pool of employees. Winners were Wanda Post, housekeeping; Missaha Nichols, medical-surgical; and Jane Wolverton, laboratory.

The second event was a reception that evening at The Soderquist Business Center on the John Brown University campus, held for hospital staff, city officials, hospital board members, community leaders and CHS representatives. The hospital’s nutrition services department, led by Ellen Jones Loftis, R.D. and Teresa Ellis, dietary supervisor, catered the event for the more than 200 persons who attended.

Tim Estes, president of the SSMH Board of Governors, was emcee and speaker. Other speakers included SSMH Chief of Staff Chad Hill, M.D., Mayor David Allen, City Administrator David Cameron and Michael Portacci, president of Division II of Community Health Systems. All agreed that the hospital will continue the strong tradition of service to the community established by the city of Siloam Springs.

CHS is one of the nation's leading operators of general acute care hospitals. Through its affiliates, the company owns, operates or leases more than 119 hospitals in 29 states. SSMH becomes the eighth CHS-affiliated facility in Arkansas and the fourth in northwest Arkansas.

PHOTO INFORMATION: Pictured at the evening reception were Stephanie Allen (front row, from left); Ruth Padilla, CHS regional marketing director for division II; Sharon Sly, president of Siloam Springs Hospital Auxiliary; Sara Treftz, auxiliary secretary; Siloam Springs Mayor David Allen (back row, from left); and interim SSMH CEO Brian Russo.