Newburyport, Mass.-based Anna Jaques Hospital is the third health system to join the proposed merger between Boston-based Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Burlington, Mass.-based Lahey Health, bringing the total number of health systems interested in merging up to five.
The board of trustees signed a letter of intent to explore the possibility of joining the proposed merger Monday.
The hospital has previously collaborated with Beth Israel Deaconess in various capacities. AJH and Beth Israel Deaconess have maintained a clinical affiliation since 2010. AJH is also a member of the Beth Israel Deaconess Care Organization network.
AJH is the third entity to join the Beth Israel Deaconess-Lahey Health merger. The other two hospitals include Boston-based New England Baptist Hospital and Cambridge, Mass.-based Mount Auburn Hospital.
The proposed merger is pending regulatory approval.
"Joining the new BIDMC/Lahey/Baptist health system presents a compelling and unique opportunity to position Anna Jaques for long-term strategic growth and continued success," said Mark Goldstein, President and CEO of Anna Jaques Hospital. "It would further expand and enhance clinical services in our region. BIDMC and Lahey Health share our vision and commitment to high-value, community-based healthcare, and have a proven track record of strengthening their community hospital affiliates. After years of working collaboratively with BIDMC, we look forward to exploring this next step in the evolution of our relationship."