Sioux Falls-based Sanford Health is taking over management of the hospital in Atkinson, Nebraska.

West Holt Memorial Hospital is moving from an associate facility of Sanford to a managed facility. That means hospital CEO Michael Coyle will become a Sanford employee and receive help with daily operations. Sanford also will provide purchasing and other services at a reduced fee.

The 18-bed hospital's local board still will have full control of the facility.

Coyle says the move will help the stability of health care in the Atkinson area.

Sanford Health earlier this year announced plans to merge with Fargo, North Dakota-based MeritCare. The deal is expected to close by the end of the year.