Ramona Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice:
One step closer to change of ownership

Hemet, California – August 19, 2011 –Ramona VNA & Hospice is one step closer to finalization of the change of ownership.  An agreement was reached earlier this year with Shova Healthcare Services to purchase Ramona VNA & Hospice. The deal was approved in March by the agency's board of directors. The attorney general's office, after a detailed review, has now approved this transaction.

The local physicians and several local businessmen purchased Hemet Valley Medical Center and Menifee Valley Medical Center in November 2010. The hospital services since then have significantly improved. SHOVA Healthcare will be working closely with the hospitals to create a virtual integrated healthcare model to improve healthcare delivery in the valley and surrounding area.

The existing Board of Directors will remain in place as an Advisory Board for the new entity. “Each of the board members has a passion for assuring the provision of quality hospice and home health care in our valley. We are pleased that the Agency will continue to be a part of the integrated delivery model and proud to continue to serve in an advisory capacity after the change of ownership is complete,” commented Patrick Searl, Chairman of the RVNAH Board of Directors.

“The next big step is obtaining Medicare licensure for the new entity through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). Until this process is completed we will continue to operate as Ramona VNA & Hospice,” said Carol Wood, President/CEO. “Our new name will be Inland Empire Home Health and Hospice, reflecting our service area which includes nearly all of Southwest Riverside County”.

“It has been a smooth and transparent transition. Our standards, ethics, staff members and dedication to the community will remain the same with this sale.  We have proudly served this community for nearly thirty (30) years, and we look forward to continuing to provide quality home health and hospice services as part of the integrated healthcare delivery system.“

A reception is now in the planning stages for staff, physicians and invited guests to celebrate the transition of Ramona VNA & Hospice to Inland Empire Home Health and Hospice.

Ramona VNA & Hospice, located in Hemet, has provided home health and hospice services to Southwestern Riverside County, California since 1987.  With branch offices in Hemet and Sun City, our staff cares for those residing throughout the Hemet/San Jacinto, Anza/Aguanga/Idyllwild, Sun City/Menifee and Temecula/Murrieta valleys. For more information on Ramona VNA & Hospice go to www.ramonavna.org .

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