Comanche County Memorial Hospital to acquire Southwestern Medical Center, expanding regional access to quality care and ushering in new era of integrated healthcare

LAWTON, OK – (September 15, 2025) – Comanche County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) and Southwestern Medical Center (SWMC) have announced an agreement for CCMH to acquire SWMC, creating a strategic partnership that will expand access to quality healthcare across Southwest Oklahoma. The proposed acquisition was unanimously approved by the CCMH Board of Directors and Comanche County Commissioners this week.

“Joining our two trusted local hospitals together will strengthen our ability to care for more people while protecting the values and relationships that have defined CCMH for decades,” said Brent Smith, FACHE, CEO of CCMH. “We are proud to be welcoming SWMC to our CCMH family, and we are committed to making this transition smooth for our patients, staff, and community.”

The pending partnership will ensure continuity of care, expanded service availability, and a stronger, more resilient healthcare network across Lawton and surrounding areas. Other key benefits of the acquisition include:

• Expanded capacity to meet increasing demand
• Enhanced access to specialty care and services previously limited in the area
• Streamlined operations for greater efficiency and faster response times
• Investments in modern medical equipment and facility upgrades
• A shared commitment to local, high-quality, compassionate care

The acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, subject to regulatory requirements and standard closing conditions. Once the transaction is final, patients can expect to continue seeing the same local providers they know and trust.

The combined organization will be called Memorial Health System of Southwest Oklahoma to reflect the evolution into a unified regional healthcare system. The new name symbolizes an improved approach to healthcare across the region, while continuing to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community through specialty clinics, primary care and pediatric clinics, cancer services, and the McMahon Tomlinson Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The new identity includes a modernized logo and branding that honor the legacy of CCMH and SWMC while emphasizing innovation, integration, and ongoing community commitment.

“Bringing our teams together as Memorial Health System represents a significant investment in the future of quality healthcare for Lawton and Southwest Oklahoma,” said Libby Ferguson, Interim CEO and Chief Nursing Officer at SWMC. “We are creating a connected, regional health system that provides trusted care across Southwest Oklahoma. SWMC will be known as Memorial Health System’s Southwestern campus, and we are excited to bring our talented teams together to operate as a unified, integrated system.”

Patients will begin to see the new branding rolled out gradually across signage, digital platforms, patient communications, and community outreach as the acquisition nears completion. A newly updated website and information hub will also be launched to provide clear, transparent updates during the transition.

“This is a promise to our community,” added Natalie Fitch, CCMH Board Chairperson. “We’re growing with you and for you—keeping care close to home while building a system that’s ready for tomorrow.”

About Comanche County Memorial Hospital

Comanche County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) is a nonprofit regional healthcare provider committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care across Southwest Oklahoma. CCMH is a 265-bed, nationally accredited facility with more than 2,500 employees and over 250 physicians across a wide range of specialties. As the region’s trusted healthcare leader, CCMH is committed to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves through excellence in patient care, advanced medical technology, and innovative treatments. Serving Southwest Oklahoma for more than 70 years, CCMH remains dedicated to providing comprehensive, high-quality healthcare close to home.

About Southwestern Medical Center

Southwestern Medical Center provides a comprehensive range of medical services and high-quality care. The 199-bed hospital offers an array of services and is highly rated by CMS and Leapfrog. Our accreditation by The Joint Commission demonstrates our commitment to meet the highest national standards for quality and safety. We are a forward-thinking, innovative hospital where trust, teamwork, and technology come together to make a positive difference in the health of our community and region. Our most important mission here is to serve you and your family. We combine the medical and technological resources of a regional center for healthcare, with the warm, friendly, and personal touch of a caring, compassionate staff.

Media Contacts:

Nicole Jolly
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Comanche County Memorial Hospital
Phone: (580) 585-5406
Email: nicole.jolly@ccmhhealth.com

Mary Towe
Director of Marketing and Communications
Southwestern Medical Center
Phone: (580) 531-4740
Email: mary.towe@swmconline.com