A hospital in Olney could become the third hospital in the Carle health system.

The Richland Memorial Hospital board has signed a letter of intent to consider integrating into the Carle medical system. Such a deal would result in the Olney hospital becoming the third hospital in the Carle system.

Richland Memorial has a 135-bed facility. Carle Foundation Hospital has its 393-bed facility associated with Alliance Medical Plans, Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center (a 24-bed critical access hospital) and Carle Physician Group.

Richland Memorial serves eight southeastern Illinois counties. If the proposal is approved, Richland, its 500 employees and health services would become an independent unit of Carle.

94.1 WGFA