PIMA COUNTY – On Tuesday, June 6, the Pima County Board of Supervisors approved 4-1 to renew its partnership with Banner-University Medical Center South through June 2019 for $15 million per year.
This agreement will provide funding to support the operation of Banner UMC South and the University of Arizona College of Medicine Graduate Medical Education Program, both of which support the County’s commitment to provide quality healthcare and strengthen the health workforce industry.
“Banner UMC South is a critical partner to ensure the health and wellness of this community,” said Jan Lesher, Chief Deputy County Administrator. “The partnership has allowed us to reduce costs while improving quality of care.”
The County first transferred the hospital’s operation in 2004 to University Physicians, Inc., which at that time was the physician faculty practice for the UA’s College of Medicine, and has since transitioned to the current Banner –UMC South.
Since 2004, Banner UMC South has become a modern full-service hospital that offers emergency department services, acute medical and surgical services, and clinical visits. The County’s transition in services has contributed significantly to the hospital’s increase in number of clinic visits, emergency visits, surgical procedures and adjusted patient days. Additionally, the overall improvement of the hospital has facilitated the expansion of the UA’s Graduate Medical Education Program.
Banner UMC South recently received a Best of the Best Award for its top performance among other mid-sized Banner Health hospitals.
“We are so honored to partner with Pima County in serving Southern Arizona’s health-care needs at Banner – University Medical Center South,” said Tom Dickson, CEO of Banner – UMC South and its sister hospital, Banner – UMC Tucson. “Banner Health is grateful for Pima County’s continued confidence in and support of our efforts to provide excellent clinical care for our community while training the next generation Arizona physicians.”
As part of this renewed agreement, the county will continue to oversee the Banner’s operations to ensure the hospital is run efficiently, effectively, and that it fulfills its commitment to provide quality healthcare to the community.