The respective boards of directors for New Bedford, N.H.-based Southcoast Health and Providence, R.I.-based Care New England voted to end their agreement to affiliate Oct. 17.
The health systems first discussed the possibility of a potential affiliation in November 2015. Officials released a statement declaring their intent to pursue a closer affiliation in May 2016.
According to officials, the nonprofit health systems parted on amicable terms and will continue their collegial relationship in the New England region.
"Care New England and Southcoast share a vision of creating a healthier community through community based care," said Charles Reppucci, chair of the Care New England board of directors, in a statement. "We believe both organizations will continue in their unrelenting pursuit of this goal. Yet, for Care New England, we now believe the full extent of our mission as teaching, research and clinical organizations will be better served through today's decision. We wish all of our colleagues at Southcoast continued success in their commitment to excellence and to community."