SSM Health in Southern Illinois and the Washington County Hospital would like to announce that they have expanded their partnership. After many years of working together in an affiliated relationship, WCH has now entered a management agreement with SSM Health starting in May. This agreement will now offer WCH with a wide range of management support services, which will provide additional depth and resources to the facility. Chief Executive Officer for WCH Nancy Newby stated, “In today’s health care environment, it is important for independent hospitals to establish alignment with a strong system.” She continued by saying, “With this management agreement, our hospital remains independent, yet we gain the resources of SSM health to assist in guiding our future. Our priority is to ensure quality health care is provided in our community for the long-term future.” The Washington County Hospital Board selected SSM Health since they have a long established working relationship between the two organizations and SSM’s commitment to sustaining health care services in local communities.