SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Jeff Samz, President & CEO Huntsville Hospital Health
Huntsville Hospital Health System has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Crestwood Medical Center and its associated outpatient facilities in a major $450 million transaction that would significantly reshape healthcare delivery in the Huntsville area.
The agreement, announced last Tuesday afternoon, includes the acquisition of substantially all assets of Crestwood Medical Center from a subsidiary of Community Health Systems Inc. The transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of 2026, pending customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
Huntsville Hospital Health System President and CEO Jeff Samz said the acquisition reflects a long-term investment in the community and its growing healthcare needs.
“This acquisition continues our commitment to invest in the specific health care needs of our patients and community and in our employees,” Samz said. “We are committed to building on our more than 100-year legacy and continuing to invest in local access to high-quality, compassionate care.”
The announcement comes as Huntsville continues to experience rapid population growth, with the city’s population increasing nearly 16% over the past five years. Health system leaders say the acquisition will help meet rising demand while preserving patient choice and strengthening care coordination across facilities.
“As our community continues to grow, we listen carefully to patient experiences and expectations,” Samz said. “Our community wants and deserves options for more locally coordinated services and care.”
According to a joint news release, Crestwood Medical Center will continue normal operations throughout the transition. Huntsville Hospital Health System said there will be no immediate changes to patient care, medical staff privileges, or services as a result of the agreement.
What the Acquisition Includes
The deal includes Crestwood Medical Center’s 180-bed acute care hospital, the Crestwood freestanding emergency department in Harvest, and a range of outpatient services, clinics, and ambulatory interests.
Crestwood employs approximately 1,000 healthcare professionals and serves nearly 400,000 patientsW across Huntsville, North Alabama and surrounding communities. The hospital offers emergency care, surgical services, women’s health, cardiovascular care and intensive care, among other specialties.
Huntsville Hospital Health System is a nonprofit network serving more than 1.5 million people across northern Alabama and southern Tennessee and employs more than 19,500 people. Crestwood Medical Center has served the Huntsville community since 1965.