Capella Healthcare and Saint Thomas Health have signed a letter of intent to form a partnership that will result in the joint ownership and operation of Capella’s four Middle Tennessee hospitals.Capella owns River Park Hospital, White County Community Hospital in Sparta, DeKalb Community Hospital in Smithville, and Stones River Hospital in Woodbury.Officials expect the partnership to begin operations on or before March 1. Under the pending agreement, these hospitals will operate as part of the Saint Thomas Health Network, which will hold an equity interest.Officials from both health care organizations were touting the agreement as a way to provide better care at River Park and the other three hospitals.“Partnering with Saint Thomas Health, which is nationally recognized for its quality of care and innovative strategy, positions our Middle Tennessee hospitals for greater success as we seek to further expand services,” said Capella CEO Dan Slipkovich. “Our two organizations share a commitment to providing the highest quality of care for the individuals and communities we serve, and look forward to leveraging our strengths to expand our services.”Saint Thomas Health president and CEO Mike Schatzlein said the partnership will be a way for River Park to expand and enhance services to Warren County residents.“We look forward to providing support for the expansion of cardiac, neurosciences, and other specialty services, as well as collaborating on strategies for the use of innovative technology and clinical integration,” said Schatzlein.Capella will be the managing member and the majority partner in the new venture.