ST. LOUIS (October 7, 2008) —Michael Graue, president of the South Operating Group at SSM Health Care- St. Louis, has accepted a new position with WellStar Health System in Marietta, Georgia.  His last day will be on November 30.  Graue joined SSM Health Care-St. Louis in 1997 as executive vice president-operations and recently served as president of the South Operating Group; including Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, St. Mary’s Health Center and St. Joseph Hospital of Kirkwood.

Graue was instrumental in laying the early groundwork for revenue cycle improvements throughout SSM Health Care- St. Louis.  His leadership and commitment to quality improvement led to two Missouri Team Quality Awards for excellence in point-of-service collections and innovative blood conservation improvements.

“Mike’s dedication to operational excellence has been a stabilizing force in our organization,” says James Sanger, President/CEO of SSM Health Care- St. Louis.  “He focused on major quality improvement initiatives and critical operational priorities.  He will truly be missed by all of us at SSM Health Care- St. Louis.”

WellStar Health System is located near Atlanta, Ga., and operates five community-based hospitals, a physician group and foundation.  SSM Health Care- St. Louis is working to ensure an effective transition.

For more information contact, Deena M. Fischer, Network Director of Communications, Office: 314-989-2315, Pager: 314-999-1243.

About SSM Health Care
With seven hospitals, nearly 2,500 staff physicians and 11,200 employees, SSM Health Care-St. Louis is committed to serving the comprehensive health needs of St. Louis area residents.  Sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Mary, the health care network includes: SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center; SSM DePaul Health Center; SSM St. Joseph Health Center (St. Charles); SSM St. Joseph Health Center-Wentzville; SSM St. Joseph Hospital West (Lake Saint Louis); SSM St. Joseph Hospital of Kirkwood and SSM St. Mary's Health Center. Its parent organization, SSM Health Care, also based in St. Louis, owns, operates and manages hospitals and nursing homes in four states: Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin and Oklahoma.