TEMPLE (November 23, 2009)—Scott & White Healthcare and Trinity Health Services Corp. announced Monday they’ve signed a letter of intent in the initial step of a merger agreement.

Trinity Health Services operates Trinity Medical Center, a 60-bed hospital in Brenham, which serves Washington, Austin, Burleson, Colorado, Fayette, Grimes, Lee and Waller Counties.

Under the agreement, Scott & White would become the sole corporate member of a newly formed health system, which includes the hospital, a 128-bed long-term care facility and a foundation.

Scott & White has engaged Community Hospital Corp. for three years to support operation of the new system, according to a new release issued Monday.

The announcement Monday comes after Trinity Health Services Corp. and its sponsor, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, decided in April to end a 20-year relationship.

The proposed merger with Scott & White is contingent on the final dissolution of that agreement.

Other steps in the merge process must also be completed before the new partnership is finalized, the news release said.

“Our interest in partnering with Trinity is based on a strong mutual respect and a desire to enhance the breadth of healthcare services in this community,” said Dr. Alfred B. Knight, president and CEO of Scott & White Healthcare.

“Scott & White recognizes that Trinity understands well how to respond to the unique healthcare needs in its community, and we want to play a part in providing the right care, at the right place, at the right time.”

Trinity will remain an open staff hospital, the press release said.