RAPID CITY, S.D. (KBHB) – Regional Health announced last Thursday they are changing their name and becoming part of the Mayo Clinic Network.

According to a news release, Regional Health will become Monument Health, effective January 2020, and will remain independent. The release says it will become “part of a select group of health systems carefully vetted” by the Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic.

Regional says joining the Mayo network gives local physicians access to the clinic’s knowledge, expertise and resources. And, the release continued, will allow doctors to access the latest research, diagnostics and treatment resources whenever needed.

Dr. David Hayes is Medical Director for the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

Hayes says patients experience the confidence of being able to access Mayo’s medical expertise through their trusted local doctor, with the comfort and convenience of staying close to home.

Regional Health President and C-E-O Paulette Davidson agrees and says they are thrilled to be selected to join the network.

The health care organization will still employ more than 4,500 physicians and caregivers in 20 western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming communities.