Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz issued the following statement in response to yesterday's announcement that the University of Maryland Medical System expects to complete its purchase of the St. Joseph Medical Center on December 1:

"I am very pleased to hear that the University of Maryland Medical System is now only weeks away from completing its purchase of St. Joseph.  The new University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center will be an integral part of the health care system for the entire region and a real economic engine for Baltimore County.  Under the leadership of Board Chairman Frank Kelly and Vice-Chairman Ed Gilliss as well as CEO Dr. Mohan Suntha, there is no doubt that the hospital's future is very bright.  Securing 2,000 jobs while bringing the resources of the world renowned University of Maryland Medical System to Baltimore County is very exciting.  I look forward to meeting the new leadership team in the near future."