In a continuing effort to support high quality and accessible regional health services, McLeod Health and Clarendon Health System today announced an agreement to affiliate and operate Clarendon Health System in Manning, SC.

The Boards of Trustees of McLeod Health and Clarendon Health System have approved a new management services agreement. Under this agreement, McLeod Health will assume management responsibility for Clarendon Health System, effective May 25, 2016.

McLeod and Clarendon Health system officials note a number of reasons this decision is good for the residents of the communities served by Clarendon and McLeod Health. The agreement brings McLeod resources to the hospital and community, including nationally recognized clinical quality and patient safety programs, as well as cost-savings through consolidation of some administrative services and purchasing.

Clarendon is licensed for 81 beds. In 2013, it completed a $22 million, 47,000 square foot expansion and renovation, encompassing new operating rooms, emergency department, same-day surgery center and larger patient rooms.

“This agreement is consistent with our non-profit mission,” says Rob Colones, President and CEO of McLeod Health. “The changing healthcare landscape continues to make it very difficult for hospitals in rural areas to operate independently. We believe that this affiliation allows McLeod Health and McLeod Health Clarendon to continue serving in the best way possible the health needs of families in their communities."

McLeod Health personnel will team with Clarendon medical professionals, clinical staff, and hospital employees, working toward a smooth transition for current and future Clarendon patients.

McLeod Health currently operates 6 hospitals, including McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence as well as McLeod Health Cheraw, McLeod Health Darlington, McLeod Health Dillon, McLeod Health Loris and McLeod Health Seacoast (North Myrtle Beach). McLeod also operates Urgent Care Centers in Florence and Darlington, along with 59 medical practices throughout the 15 counties in the McLeod Health service area from the midlands to the coast.