Along with some possible new beds in northwest Arkansas, Baptist Health also has been making moves with other providers.
It is in talks to sell its home infusion business.
“We have entered into a letter of intent to pursue a sale of” Baptist Health Home Infusion, spokesman Mark Lowman said in an email. “Because no final agreement has been made I cannot offer any other details.”
The potential buyer is Option Care Enterprises Inc. of Bannockburn, Illinois, north of Chicago. Option Care touts itself as being the nation’s largest provider of home and alternate treatment site infusion therapy services.
The deal is expected to close Aug. 1.
There are about 30 employees in Baptist’s home infusion division, and as of last week, about six employees had learned that they won’t have a job once Option Care takes over.
More job losses in that division are expected.
Baptist Health’s website describes home infusion as the administration of intravenous medications to patients “in the privacy and convenience of their own home.
“It eliminates the stress and anxiety associated with a hospital stay and has been shown to be significantly less expensive.”
Dietary Services
Home infusion isn’t the only business division Baptist Health is shedding.
Baptist has contracted with French food services company Sodexo to manage nutrition and food services for all of its medical centers.
The contracts with Sodexo went into effect on May 15 at Baptist’s medical centers in Little Rock, North Little Rock and Conway, according to Baptist’s Lowman. Sodexo will start servicing Baptist’s regional hospitals on Aug. 15.
Lowman said about 30 managers, dietitians and assistant dietitians are now Sodexo employees, while other dietary staffers remain Baptist employees.
A spokesperson for Sodexo didn’t immediately return a call for comment.
“The purpose of engaging Sodexo was to enhance nutritional value and dietary services for our patients, guests and employees as well as achieve operational efficiencies,” Lowman said in an email to Whispers.
Sign up for Daily E-news
