BRENHAM and TEMPLE, Texas - (November 23, 2009) Trinity Health Services Corporation (THSC) and Scott & White Healthcare have signed a letter of intent, the initial step in a transaction that will partner the two healthcare organizations in the delivery of patient care in Brenham and the eight county service area.

Under the agreement, Scott & White Healthcare would become the sole corporate member of the newly formed health system. Based in Brenham, the current Trinity Health Services Corporation consists of a 60-bed acute care hospital, a 128-bed long-term care facility and a Foundation. To support the operation of the new system, Scott & White has engaged Community Hospital Corporation for three years, with a possible extension of those services.

In April, THSC and its sponsor, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, agreed to end their twenty year relationship. The proposed partnership with Scott & White is contingent upon the final dissolution of Trinity's affiliation with the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, as well as several other steps related to merger transactions.

Charles Moser, Chair of the Board of THSC, said, "The Brenham community needs a full-service community hospital and wants to partner with a strong regional health system like Scott & White."

Adds John Simms, President and CEO of THSC, "We are pleased to be a part of the Scott & White healthcare family and look forward to their support and development of healthcare services in our community."

"Our interest in partnering with Trinity is based on a strong mutual respect and a desire to enhance the breadth of healthcare services in this community," says Alfred B. Knight, M.D., President and CEO of Scott & White Healthcare. "Scott & White recognizes that Trinity understands well how to respond to the unique healthcare needs in its community, and we want to play a part in providing the right care, at the right place, at the right time."

Scott & White Healthcare is committed to supporting area physicians, and Trinity will remain an "open staff" hospital. Scott &White will help recruit physicians in specialty services to support community health needs. A Chief Medical Officer will also be hired, and management and administrative services will be provided to support the leadership team.

"We see the prospective partnership as an opportunity to provide enhanced support to Brenham's physicians, while expanding services for their patients," says Michael Williams, CHC. "We look forward to serving the people of Brenham and its surrounding area through our management of the new health system."

About Trinity Health Services Corporation
Trinity Health Services Corporation is a health system based in Brenham and is comprised of the 60-bed, Level III Trauma-designated Trinity Medical, 128-bed Trinity Care Center and the Trinity Foundation, Trinity Health Services Corporation serves the citizens of Washington, Austin, Burleson, Colorado, Fayette, Grimes, Lee and Waller Counties

About Scott & White
Scott & White Healthcare is a not-for-profit health care system established in 1897. Scott & White is the principal clinical teaching facility affiliated with the Texas A&M College of Medicine, with a Temple campus that includes a four-year medical curriculum. Along with its 636-bed flagship hospital and clinic facility in Temple, Texas, Scott & White includes nine other hospitals or hospital partners, and more than 50 clinic locations throughout Central Texas. With more than 800 physicians and scientists, Scott & White has become one of the nation's largest multi-specialty group practice systems.

About Community Health Corporation (CHC)
CHC is a not-for-profit company whose sole mission is to help not-for-profit hospitals remain community-operated and governed. CHC owns or manages 15 hospital organizations and consults with many others. Based in Plano, Texas, the organization provides the resources and experience community hospitals need to improve quality outcomes, patient satisfaction and financial performance.