Geisinger Health System, Jersey Shore Hospital sign integration agreement
Jersey Shore leaders say they expect the integration to provide financial stability, job security.
Pennsylvania's Geisinger Health will be extending its reach as the system has announced the signing of an integration agreement with Jersey Shore Hospital and Foundation.
The regulatory review is expected to take a few months to complete.
As a designated Critical Access Hospital, 25-bed Jersey Shore Hospital provides inpatient acute, emergency, outpatient and sub-acute care, and for the past three years, bariatric and vascular clinic services.
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Earlier this year, the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health recognized Jersey Shore Hospital for excellence in patient satisfaction and outcomes, Geisinger said in a statement.
"Our goal is to achieve financial security and sustainability, preserve local jobs, and build a strong base of engaged medical providers while maintaining our community and patient-centered focus," said Sean Simcox, Jersey Shore Hospital Board Chair. "We are pleased to move forward with Geisinger to preserve and enhance health care in our community."
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"In today's challenging healthcare environment, it is extremely difficult for small, independent facilities to thrive without becoming part of a larger organization," said Jersey Shore Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer David A. Shannon. "That we could do so for so long is due in large part to the hard work and dedication of our employees and medical staff. Now, with Geisinger, we believe we have a larger health system that shares our commitment to putting patients first and ensuring local access to quality care."
Twitter: @BethJSanborn
