Ardent Health Services is no stranger to ailing hospitals.
In 2001 it purchased two suffering systems in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The first facility had not seen any capital improvements in the previous five years. The second had a drastically dwindling patient count. With closure almost imminent, Ardent brought the two together under the Lovelace Health System umbrella.
"We have expanded and renovated each of the facilities," said Ardent spokesman Kevin Gwin. "We have brought in state of the art equipment. Literally saved a health system, brought it back to life and now its running great."
Albuquerque city officials agree, calling Lovelace a great corporate neighbor. The upgrades to the hospital's main campus played a major role in Albuquerque's downtown revitalization.
"With Albuquerque being the largest city in the state, it's often the place people come from the rural areas of our state to receive their health services," said Albuquerque Director of Communications Chris Ramirez. "Lovelace does play a very important role in the overall health of the entire state of New Mexico, not just Albuquerque."
Three years after the Lovelace purchase, Ardent acquired the Hillcrest Health Care System in Tulsa, Ok., a not-for-profit system in debt. But officials said each city presents its own unique challenges.
"And that's why it's important to get in and understand the system, understand the market," said Gwin.
Ardent officials believe there is room for growth in this market with Forum, especially in the cardiac and orthopedic departments.
