CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health Care acquires McKenna Memorial Hospital

Jordan McMorrough
Today’s Catholic

    NEW BRAUNFELS • CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health Care commemorated the acquisition of McKenna Memorial Hospital Feb. 4 as the hospital became part of the CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health Care regional system. McKenna Memorial Hospital, a 132-bed acute care facility in New Braunfels, took the new name of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital-New Braunfels in a special blessing ceremony that took place in front of the hospital. Many local officials were part of the blessing and sign unveiling.

    Last year, during a process in which nine potential buyers were evaluated, the McKenna Board and medical staff representatives made it a priority to find an organization with similar values and mission, and in July, the Board unanimously selected CHRISTUS.“CHRISTUS Santa Rosa is committed to continuing and expanding upon the tradition of community service and excellence to which McKenna Memorial Hospital has been dedicated for over 54 years,” said Tim Brierty, president/chief executive officer for the McKenna System. “I, along with the other members of the Board, look forward to working with CHRISTUS Santa Rosa in support of its mission of service to the New Braunfels and surrounding communities. We are confident that CHRISTUS Santa Rosa will work with the community and physicians to strengthen the hospital and assure its continued commitment of service to the community for years to come.”

    Don A. Beeler, CEO/president CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health Care, stated, “I am pleased that the McKenna/CHRISTUS Santa Rosa transition is finally completed. It is a privilege for CHRISTUS Santa Rosa to be invited into the New Braunfels community and to have the opportunity to build upon McKenna Memorial Hospital’s distinguished legacy of service and excellence, by uniting two strong, not-for-profit, health systems, we will be well positioned to expand and enhance quality health care services in New Braunfels and surrounding communities.”

    The acquisition of McKenna signals the beginning of a new and significant level of growth for CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health Care, explained Chairman of the Board Stephen Dufilho. “We look forward to expanding the medical services offered here, and adding the resources to complement the services already offered,” he said. “We will work hard to be the best.”

    Proclamations were then read by Comal County Judge Danny Scheel and New Braunfels Mayor Bruce Boyer welcoming CHRISTUS Santa Rosa to the county and city. “New Braunfels is lucky to have you here,” said Boyer. “Let’s come together and move forward.”

    The hospital’s new CEO, Karl Kittle, said the institution’s future was “incredibly bright” with the resources CHRISTUS Santa Rosa is bringing to the community, and Dr. Pete Formey, medical staff president, added, “The mission and history of McKenna will continue to live. We know you will honor the quality of our founder’s vision.” A temporary sign proclaiming the new name was also unveiled.

    At the conclusion of the event, Father Eugene Ronan, MSF, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church offered the blessing inside the hospital, accompanied by Father Ignatius Himawan, MSF, pastor of Holy Family Church; Father Tony Pesek, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Church; and Rev. Rusty Rice of Oakwood Baptist Church.

    Along with the blessing ceremony, a $10,000 scholarship to the University of the Incarnate Word, along with a CHRISTUS baby basket, was offered to the first baby born under the new name CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital — New Braunfels. McKenna Memorial Hospital also gave a McKenna basket to the last baby born under the McKenna name.