HUMBLE, TEXAS (May 19, 2016)

In a move that solidifies its commitment to the greater Lake Houston community, Memorial Hermann Health System has reached a deal to purchase the Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital campus from the Northeast Hospital Authority Board of Trustees. With this purchase, Memorial Hermann also unveils plans to construct a new, five-story, state-of-the art, patient tower expected to open in 2018.

“Families in the greater Lake Houston area are vitally important to Memorial Hermann,” said Dr. Benjamin K. Chu, president and CEO, Memorial Hermann Health System. “This transaction is a testament to the long-standing commitment made to this community nearly a decade ago. I look forward to meeting the business, community and civic leaders in the Lake Houston area and hearing their thoughts on how Memorial Hermann can continue to serve as their healthcare provider of choice for years to come.”

A board of 11 community members appointed by the Humble City Council has served as the governing body of the Northeast Hospital Authority Hospital since 1977.

“Our relationship with Memorial Hermann has yielded outstanding outcomes for our community,” said Roy G. Hearnsberger, president of the Northeast Hospital Authority. “The hospital has for years provided local families with access to quality and safe health care, while also being a great supporter in the area. The investment to build a new patient tower and do other renovations demonstrates that Memorial Hermann remains committed to Humble and the surrounding communities.”

The transaction comes on the heels of the announced plans to build a 45,000-square-foot Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center in Kingwood. The Center will be anchored by Memorial Hermann Northeast and will join the Memorial Hermann Summer Creek Convenient Care Center in serving the greater Lake Houston area.

“The purchase of the hospital further strengthens the ties so many of our staff and affiliated physicians have established in the area over the last decade,” said Heath Rushing, Sr. Vice President and CEO of Memorial Hermann Northeast. “We are thankful for the great relationships we’ve forged with the Northeast Hospital Authority and all of our partners in helping provide quality care to our community.”

Enhancing patient care

With the purchase finalized, Memorial Hermann plans to construct a new 123,000-square foot patient tower with 90 updated patient rooms, and the flexibility to add an additional 30 inpatient beds, as needed. The new patient tower will also house patient and staff dining services. The patient rooms in the new tower will replace those currently located in the hospital’s South Tower, and will be nearly twice the size of current rooms. Construction of the tower will be accompanied by additional surface parking, as well as renovations to the east entrance to the hospital.

“The new tower will provide an enhanced experience for our patients, visitors and staff,” said Rushing. “We remain committed to meeting the healthcare needs of the area, and doubling our focus on providing excellence in both quality care and service for our patients. We believe the future is bright at Memorial Hermann Northeast.”

Located just east of George Bush Intercontinental Airport off Highway 59, Memorial Hermann Northeast has been recognized by the Joint Commission as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures. Memorial Hermann Northeast offers a broad array of service lines including interventional cardiology, oncology, spine surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, and endovascular surgery.

The hospital has also partnered with UT Physicians in oncology, orthopedics and vascular surgery to bring high-quality expertise to the campus. In the last year, Memorial Hermann Northeast has opened a Clinical Decision Unit to maximize efficiency in treatment and diagnosis, and an innovative endovascular hybrid suite, designed specifically for vascular and cardiovascular patients. The hybrid suite has become a learning destination for physicians from around the country.

For more information about Memorial Hermann Northeast and its services, visit http://www.memorialhermann.org/locations/northeast/.