For as long as most Meridianites can remember, there have been three hospitals in Meridian, all situated next to each other — Rush, Anderson, and Riley. Over the years, all three hospitals grew, with Jeff Anderson Hospital growing into Meridian’s largest hospital, and changing its name to Anderson Regional Medical Center.

    In December of 2010, Anderson RMC announced that it is buying Riley Hospital, changing the long standing make-up of Meridian’s medical community. The sale became final today. Temporary signs will go up today changing the name of Riley Hospital to Anderson Regional Medical Center, and all the people who were Riley employees yesterday are Anderson RMC employees today.

    Officials with both hospitals said the merger was made to combine the services each hospital offers, which they said will create a better and more seamless experience for their patients. They also said the merger will make it easier to adapt to a changing health care industry.

    Anderson RMC President and CEO Ray Humphreys said that “substantially” all Riley employees will be offered jobs with Anderson, and that planning on how to best merge the services of the two hospitals will begin today.