Memorial Health System merger creates unified healthcare network in Southwest Oklahoma

LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Monday marked the start of a new era for the Comanche County Memorial Hospital and the Southwestern Medical Center.

The two now go by one name: the Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma.

“We are truly a health care system. We’re not just a hospital,” said John Zelbst, vice chairman of the Board of Trustees for Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma.

The two hospitals unveiled the merger Monday with a ceremony.

You might be asking: why the merger and what does that mean for you?

Leadership with the Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma shared their vision.

“The main goal is to create a unified health system that can improve the patient experience for members of our community,” said Brent Smith, chief executive officer of Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma.

As for the changes, they say you can expect shifts in cost and care.

“It’ll become more efficient, it’ll become cheaper and we’ll have better resources; both financially and with physicians to provide the most up-to-date care possible,” Zelbst said.

“It’ll actually allow for better coordination of the medical staffs. At times patients may show up at Southwest and they may not have that particular specialty and we may be able to offer it. So, it’ll really allow for more efficient coordination of care,” Smith said.

The new sign wasn’t the only thing that was unveiled. They’ll be rolling out their new electronic medical record in July of next year and they’ll incorporate their Southwestern campus soon after.

As for families with children with autism, a new clinic serving their needs will also be opening on Cache Road soon.

“We’re getting ready to open a new health clinic out in the old movie theater on Cache Road. That’s coming up pretty soon. It’ll be the first in southwest Oklahoma that we’re gonna offer specialized care for autistic children,” Zelbst said.