In his state of the city address, Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic said the two main hospital organizations in Akron — Akron General Medical Center and Summa Health System — should merge their operations, according to an Akron Beacon Journal report.
"The idea that we need two adult hospitals duplicating costs and competing makes no sense," he said, according to the Beacon Journal report.
In addition to potential care duplication, Mr. Plusquellic said a merger between Akron General and Summa could ease the pressure of outside forces attempting to takeover both organizations. In January, Akron General nixed exclusive negotiations with Cleveland Clinic and Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems on a proposed joint venture. Summa is working out a deal with Cincinnati-based Catholic Health Partners, which would become a minority owner.
Summa and Akron General officials said a merger is unlikely. Summa President and CEO Thomas Strauss released a prepared statement to the Beacon Journal, which said when the system was initially looking for a minority partner and held discussions with Akron General, the two groups realized "our models simply do not align."
Akron General includes its flagship adult hospital, a rehabilitation facility and Lodi (Ohio) Community Hospital. Summa is comprised of two Akron hospitals and three other community hospitals.
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