After three weeks of hearing hospital proposals, members of the Southeast Volusia Hospital District Board of Commissioners and Bert Fish Medical Centers Board of Directors joint board announced on Tuesday, November 9 that Adventist Health System (AHS) will continue as the hospital’s partner.

Board members say that that AHS’s financial strength, a proven legacy in Volusia County and its commitment to reduce the hospital district’s tax burden on residents, contributed to their decision.

“This decision comes after a second and very thorough examination of AHS and competitors, so we are obviously pleased with the board’s decision,” said Daryl Tol, CEO of the Florida Hospital Volusia/Flagler Market. “We are overwhelmed by and appreciative of the tremendous show of support from the community, which certainly indicates the confidence residents have in Florida Hospital.”

The boards selected Adventist Health System after reviewing presentations from three hospital systems. Health Management Associates presented on Tuesday, Oct. 26; Halifax Health presented on Monday, Nov. 1; and AHS on Monday, Nov. 8. The joint board also received a briefing from a third-party consultant hired to analyze and compare the financial strengths and offers from each candidate.

Bert Fish Medical Center initially merged with AHS on July 1 at the completion of the original effort to affiliate. When questions arose about possible Sunshine Law violations, the board commenced a “cure” process set forth by the Florida Statues and held another selection process.

About Adventist Health System
Adventist Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare organization that emphasizes Christ at the center of care. Founded in 1973, Adventist Health System has quickly grown to become the largest not-for-profit Protestant healthcare provider in the nation. Today, with the addition of Bert Fish Medical Center, Adventist Health System supports 44 campuses and employs more than 55,000 individuals. Adventist Health System hospitals are comprised of more than 7,700 licensed beds, providing care for 4 million patients each year in inpatient, outpatient and emergency room visits.