Seton Medical Center Put Up For Sale

The Daughters of Charity Health System (DCHS) Board of Directors announced Monday its decision to solicit proposals from Catholic, public, non-profit and for-profit organizations to purchase six of its hospitals, including Seton Coastside in Moss Beach and Seton Medical Center in Daly City.

Along with the Moss Beach and Daly City hospitals, DCHS plans to sell O'Connor Hospital in San Jose, Saint Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy and two of its hospitals in Los Angeles either individually or the health system in its entirety. 

According to a prepared release, this decision follows a lengthy process during which DCHS leadership carefully reviewed its options to preserve its hospitals and access to care.

“After careful consideration, our Board, management team and advisors have determined that the sale of our hospitals is the most sound and responsible business decision,” said Robert Issai, President and Chief Executive Officer of DCHS. “Like other health systems across the country, we recognize that the way health care is provided today – where it is offered, how it is paid for, how it is measured – is changing dramatically, and we believe that new ownership is in the best interest of the communities we serve.”

DCHS continues to explore options to allow the hospitals to flourish and maintain access to care, while working diligently at the local, regional and system level. Last year, DCHS formed an affiliation with Ascension Health, which remains in effect. While benefits have resulted from the affiliation, DCHS hospitals will not merge with Ascension Health.

“This decision to sell our health care ministries has been difficult, particularly for the Daughters of Charity. But the realities of modern health care are harsh, and after prayerful discernment, it became clear that the responsible thing to do is to find new ownership, blessed with the resources necessary to thrive,” said Sr. Marjory Ann Baez, DC, Chair, DCHS Board of Directors.

“For DCHS, it is our hope that the buyer(s) share our vision to protect the legacy of care the Daughters of Charity have built, preserve jobs, and ensure that all members of the community have access to affordable, high-quality health care for years to come,” continued Issai.

Along with hospital transaction advisors, DCHS leadership has already begun pursuing the sale of its hospitals in Northern California and is commencing the process for its Southern California hospitals and the health system as a whole.

“As always, patient care remains our top priority. Access to patient care services at all of our health care ministries will remain uninterrupted as we move forward on this journey,” added Issai. “Our associates, physicians, patients and business partners should be assured that we remain very aware of our responsibilities to them as we navigate toward a solution.”

The hospital chain would not disclose desired sale prices.