Gary, Ind.-based Methodist Hospitals and Mishawaka, Ind.-based Franciscan Alliance ceased discussions on a potential merger, the institutions announced Thursday. The organizations had been exploring the potential union for about one year, nwi.com reports.
Methodist Hospitals and Franciscan Alliance said in seperate news releases they opted to end discussions because of shifts in the healthcare industry and disagreements about "the financial, operational and clinical service line implications of the proposed partnership," according to the report.
Franciscan Alliance President and CEO Kevin Leahy said the health system would be open to discussions with Methodist Hospitals at a later date should the opportunity arise.
"If in the future, [there is] another opportunity to work together to achieve better care, better access and lower costs, Franciscan Alliance would welcome it," Mr. Leahy said.
The organizations signed a letter of intent to merge last March.