History
Ardent Health Services was founded in 1993 as Behavioral Healthcare Corporation, an owner and operator of psychiatric hospitals.
In 2001, the largest private equity investor in health care – Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe – became majority owner. David T. Vandewater was appointed president and CEO, bringing more than 30 years of experience in hospital management leadership and a new focus to the company. Ardent began to acquire medical/surgical hospitals and health systems, including the facilities that now comprise Lovelace Health System in 2002 and 2003, and Hillcrest Health care System in 2004.
In 2005, the company sold its behavioral hospitals and positioned the company as a partner for growth with acute care hospitals and the health care services that support them.
Today, Ardent is a leading provider of health care in the communities it serves. After considerable investments in people, technology and facilities, both systems in Ardent’s network have measurably improved clinical quality and market share, as well as patient, physician and employee satisfaction.