Oxford assumes MO operations of Florida-based company

Springfield-based home health care provider Oxford HealthCare has agreed to absorb the employees and clients of Florida-based SunCrest Home Health's Missouri operations.

SunCrest Home Health of Missouri which had planned to close its Fulton office, allowed Oxford to assume its day-to-day operations. Jenny Burkett, a spokeswoman with marketing firm corecubed speaking on behalf of Oxford, said the move wasn't an acquisition and no money changed hands.

SunCrest's Missouri coverage area also includes the cities of Columbia, Jefferson City and Mexico, according to an April 6 Oxford news release.

“We are excited that because of our continued growth and expansion we are able to offer work within our company at a time when many companies are cutting back on services offered and areas covered," Oxford President Karen Thomas said in the release. "We are committed to this community and wanted to make sure the employees did not go without work and that the clients were able to continue services.”

Emily Seiner, physician relations representative for Oxford, said the CoxHealth affiliate already had been looking to expand its reach in the Fulton area.

"This growth opportunity allows us to provide even more access to different types of home care services to local senior residents," Seiner said in the release. "We are able to offer clients 24/7 services, including Medicaid in-home services, telehealth, Medicare skilled nursing services, private pay and insurance, (Veterans Affairs) benefits and Lifeline personal response systems."

Oxford, which traces its origins to 1974, comprises more than 1,400 employees serving 4,000 clients weekly, the release said.[[In-content Ad]]