The board of directors of Kinston, N.C.-based LenoirMemorialHospital has unanimously voted to pursue exclusive negotiations to create a management services agreement with Chapel Hill-based UNC Health Care.
LenoirMemorialHospital and UNC Health Care began discussing an affiliation earlier this year.
"With this partnership, we have the opportunity to expand high-quality healthcare — and a deeply respected brand — to our part of the state. We are confident this partnership will preserve the Lenoir Memorial legacy of local healthcare for future generations," said Gary Black, president and CEO of Lenoir Memorial Hospital. "Adding access to UNC's groundbreaking research and focus on advancing clinical care and our commitment to the patients we serve enhances what we can deliver together, close to home."
Hospital officials expect to finalize the details of the agreement in April. The agreement will not involve any sale or exchange of assets and will allow the Lenoir board to maintain local governance of the hospital, both parties agreed. Lenoir Memorial employees will remain in their current positions.