PHOENIX (Sept. 2, 2008) – Sun Health begins its full transition into Banner Health this week, completing the merger that was agreed upon in 2007 by the boards of directors at both the nonprofit, community-based organizations to secure the future of quality healthcare services  in the northwest Valley.
 
“Banner is thrilled to welcome Sun Health and finalize its full integration into our system,” said Susan Edwards, president of Banner Health’s Arizona Region. “Sun Health has established a legacy of outstanding patient care and community services, and we will honor that legacy through the fulfillment of our nonprofit mission of making a difference in people’s lives through excellent patient care.” 

On Sept. 2, the first changes that staff, patients, physicians and volunteers will likely notice are facility names and signage, including Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center (formerly Sun Health Del E. Webb Hospital) and Banner Boswell Medical Center (formerly Sun Health Boswell Hospital). Phones are also being answered with the new Banner names.

Banner is conducting a series of meetings with leaders throughout the new Banner facilities to provide details about the transition. Leadership teams will make rounds throughout the facilities during all shifts, and new employee publications will be dispersed, including “Inside Banner Boswell” and “Inside Banner Del E. Web.” Visitors to the Sun Health public Web site will be automatically re-directed to Banner Health’s Web site.

On Thursday, Sept. 4th, Banner will launch a series of Town Hall gatherings, hosted by facility leadership teams and open to all employees. Attendees will learn more about Banner Health, their benefits, and other items of importance.

In addition to Boswell and Del E. Webb hospitals, the operational entities joining Banner include Sun Health Research Institute, Sun Health MediSun, Sun Health Boswell Rehabilitation Center, Sun Health Residence for Alzheimer’s Care, Sun Health Residence for Special Adults, Sun Health Olive Branch Senior Center, Sun Health Community Education & Wellness Center and others. 

Sun Health Foundation, Sun Health Auxiliary and Sun Health Properties will remain independent, continue to encourage charitable contributions and generate needed financial support for Boswell and Del E. Webb hospitals, the research institute and other affiliated services. Volunteer and donor support for these northwest Valley health resources remain highly valuable and appreciated.

Sun Health was founded in 1966 and grew into a comprehensive, award-winning healthcare network that includes 4,500 employees, 4,000 volunteers and 831 licensed beds on two hospital campuses. 

About Banner Health
Founded in 1911 and headquartered in Phoenix, Banner Health is one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the country. Banner has more than 34,000 dedicated and caring employees who work in 23 hospitals and other settings, including home care and hospice, research facilities, long-term care, nursing registries, surgery centers, physician clinics and practices, laboratories and rehabilitation services. Banner Health is the second largest employer in Arizona and one of the largest in northern Colorado. Banner Health also operates facilities in Alaska, California, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. To learn more: www.bannerhealth.com