RAPID CITY, S.D. — Sanford Health has announced a new partnership with Black Hills Orthopedic and Spine Center (BHOSC) and Black Hills Surgical Hospital (BHSH) to expand healthcare services across western South Dakota and surrounding regions. Under the agreement, Sanford Health will become the parent organization for BHOSC, BHSH, and associated facilities, transitioning these locations to nonprofit status as part of Sanford Health’s network.
The integration will give patients access to Sanford Health’s range of healthcare services, including specialty care, clinical trials, and veterans’ precision medicine programs.
“As a mission-driven nonprofit health system, our sole purpose is to care for the local community, and every dollar we earn is reinvested back into patient care. We are committed to engaging with local stakeholders to ensure we’re meeting community needs today and well into the future,” said Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health. “We look forward to establishing a more permanent presence in the region and continuing to work with others to expand comprehensive health care services to patients in western South Dakota, including Rapid City and the surrounding area.”
BHOSC and BHSH have been longstanding providers of orthopedic, surgical, and specialty care in the region. Leadership at BHSH sees the partnership as a step to sustain healthcare services, with a focus on maintaining high standards in patient care.
The transition is expected to finalize within the week, after which a regional board of community leaders will govern the operations. Dr. Lew Papendick will serve as board chair, with Kyle Wiese as regional president and CEO, and local physician leaders representing the region within Sanford Health’s organization.
This partnership extends Sanford Health’s existing services in the area, including specialty outreach, AirMed transport, and long-term care support.