By Michael A. Cummings

MICHAELC@CULLMANTIMES.COM

Capella Healthcare announced on Friday the completion of its acquisition of Woodland Medical Center from Community Health Systems Inc.

The agreement was first announced Nov. 27, 2007, with administrative details being finalized over the winter.

Marketing director Ashley Lamar said Woodland employees look forward to working with Capella.

“We’re really excited about the purchase,” Lamar said. “I think we be able to make some great contributions to the community with Capella Healthcare on our side.”

Daniel S. Slipkovich, Capella’s chief executive officer, said company officials have visited Cullman in the past few weeks to gauge the state of the hospital.

“During the past several weeks, Capella leadership has visited Woodland a number of times in an effort to better understand the priorities of physicians and employees, as well as get to know the community,” said Slipkovich in a press release. “We are proud to partner with these individuals and look forward to working together to meet patient needs in Cullman.”

Capella and Woodland will anounce a new Woodland CEO within the next month.

Woodland’s sale is part of nine-hospital deal across five states between Capella and CHS. In addition to Woodland, Capella acquired medical facilities in Decatur, Hartselle, Jacksonville, as well as hospitals in Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri and Oregon.

Woodland Interim CEO Jeff Rains said Capella will bring medical and administrative expertise to Cullman County.

“With their clinical and operational expertise, Capella is indeed a strong partner for Woodland,” Rains said in the press release. “The company is focused on building on the existing legacy of its hospitals to expand and enhance services and quality care.”

Founded in Franklin, Tenn., in 2005, Capella operates fourteen hospitals in seven states with the financial backing of GTCR Golder Rauner.