Boston-based Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Burlington, Mass.-based Lahey Health have signed a letter of intent to merge after years of on-again, off-again negotiations, according to The Boston Globe.
It is the fifth time the organizations have discussed combining operations in the past six years. This is the first time they have filed a letter of intent.
Talks between the two institutions failed in the past over disagreements as to who would lead the combined entity. Beth Israel CEO Kevin Tabb, MD, has reportedly agreed to lead the merged entity, along with a hospital board comprised of an equal number of representatives from both organizations, according to the article.
"We are engaged in ongoing discussions, exploring the opportunity to combine our two systems and create the region's premier integrated healthcare delivery system, one that would offer patients exceptional care and unparalleled value, while keeping care in the community whenever possible," said Dr. Tabb.
"I am confident that the affiliation path will position Lahey Health for further success and growth," said Howard Grant, MD, CEO of Lahey Health. "I look forward to working to bring the benefits of this combined organization to the people of Massachusetts."