Haverhill, Mass. - The Haverhill community is being asked to join the physicians, nurses and staff at Hale Hospital in a contest to re-name the facility that has served the area for over 100 years, hospital leaders announced today. The move to change the hospital's name follows its purchase by Essent Healthcare effective September 1, 2001.

"In our initial meetings with physicians, staff and civic leaders, we repeatedly and clearly heard the desire to change the name of the hospital to better reflect the community we serve," said W. Hudson Connery, Jr., president and CEO of Essent.

"The hospital naming contest will allow everyone at the hospital and in the community to contribute their ideas and creativity to establishing a new image for the hospital. We're delighted to be able to move so quickly to make this happen."

The name change contest was announced today at the "It's a New Day at Hale Hospital" community cook-out and job fair held on the grounds of the hospital.

Residents can submit their suggestions for the hospital's new name during September by filling out forms that were handed out during the community celebration at the hospital today or by visiting www.nameyourhospital.com. Forms will also be available at the Hale Hospital front desk and in participating physicians' reception areas.

"The entire community is excited about the preservation of Hale Hospital and the new opportunities that are ahead," said Haverhill Mayor James A. Rurak. "The name change will give the hospital a clean slate to work from. I think this is a wonderful and positive way to get the community involved in a very community-oriented hospital."

The person who submits the winning name will receive dinner for two and a pair of tickets to a Boston Pops performance. If several people submit the same winning name, one contest winner will be randomly drawn from the winning entries.

The last date for submitting entries is October 1, 2001. Hospital officials said they hope to have a name selected and announced by year-end.

Hale Hospital
Since 1887, the Hale Hospital has been caring for people in need throughout Greater Haverhill and the Merrimack Valley. Hale Hospital maintains 108 acute care beds and 21 transitional care beds and provides a full range of services to ensure patients receive the healthcare they needs from birth to elder care.

Essent Healthcare
Essent Healthcare is a Nashville-based hospital company established in 1999 with the mission of acquiring hospitals that are essential to growing communities in rural and suburban markets and providing them with the financial resources and the expertise needed to grow. The company already operates Crossroads Regional Hospital in Wentzville, Missouri, about 35 miles west of St. Louis and is seeking state regulatory approval to purchase Sharon Hospital in Sharon, Conn.