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Skaggs Regional Medical Center in Branson is changing its name to Cox Medical Center Branson, effective January 1. KSMU’s Jennifer Davidson has details.
Initially, when it decided to merge with CoxHealth earlier this year, the Skaggs Board of Directors said they would not pursue a name change.
But according to a release from Skaggs, several factors made them change their minds:namely, a marketing survey showing that a name change would reflect a wider scope of health care, as well as the wishes of various internal stakeholders. The board also considered the original wishes of the hospital’s donor, Marion B. Skaggs, who, according to the release, wished to downplay his name in connection with the hospital in the 1960s.
In that same release, Steve Edwards, president and CEO of CoxHealth, is quoted as saying his healthcare system "deferred to the Skaggs Board to make this naming decision.” He added that it is fitting as the two health care providers join hands that they do so as one entity and under one name.
For KSMU News, I’m Jennifer Davidson.