Mercy takes over St. John's in Joplin

Sisters of Mercy Health System has taken full responsibility for operating St. John's Regional Medical Center in Joplin.

The health system took over the 367-bed acute care hospital and its related operations Monday; the hospital was previously sponsored and operated by Catholic Health Initiatives.

"In addition to being a good match geographically for Mercy, we and St. John's share a rich heritage as health ministries founded by the Sisters of Mercy," Mercy President and CEO Lynn Britton said in a news release.

Mercy operates 19 other acute hospitals, physician practices, outpatient clinics, health plans and related services in a seven-state area, including operations in Springfield and Rogers, Ark.

Concurrent with the transfer of sponsorship, Gary Pulsipher takes over as president and CEO of St. John's Regional Medical Center. Pulsipher served as president and CEO of St. John's Hospital in Lebanon from 1994 to 2002 and also has served as regional vice president of St. John's Health System in Springfield.