Carthage (N.Y.) Area Hospital and Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, N.Y., have announced plans to pursue an affiliation.
The hospital boards, in consultation with the New York State Department of Health, have drawn up a memorandum of understanding following discussions about how Samaritan could help Carthage Area Hospital strengthen its finances and enhance care delivery, according to a news release. The two hospitals will now move forward with completing due diligence and the certificate of need process.
"Our management teams will work closely together over the next several months to explore options and to identify strategies to enhance the long-term viability of Carthage Area Hospital and healthcare in the region," Adil Ameer, Carthage Area Hospital strategic advisor/interim CEO, said in the release.
In a related leadership change, effective March 31, Mr. Ameer will step down as interim CEO and continue serving in a consulting role. His previous position will remain unfilled until the hospitals finalize their formal affiliation, according to the release. Mr. Ameer has served as the hospital's interim leader since former CEO Walter S. Becker was asked to retire at the end of 2011.
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