Syracuse, N.Y.-based Crouse Hospital will survive independently and will not seek another partner after the failed merger attempt with SUNY Upstate University Hospital, its new CEO and president said.
Speaking to syracuse.com, Seth Kronenberg, MD, said improving revenues and market share as well as investing in recruitment and retention of staff were among the reasons why Crouse would be able to continue as an independent entity even as it had been seeking a partner since 2012, according to the report. The two systems abandoned the planned merger in February amid concerns over competition issues in the local market
"I think nationwide the pendulum is swinging back on hospital consolidation," Dr. Kronenberg said. "The FTC has been very aggressive about wanting independence and hospital competition. Being part of a big system does not make you immune from the financial challenges."
Dr. Kronenberg took over his role in March after the resignation of Kimberly Boynton.
He had previously served as the hospital's COO and chief medical officer. Born in the hospital he now leads, Dr. Kronenberg is the second in his family to hold the position — his father also served as Crouse CEO after it emerged from bankruptcy, the report said.