Orlando Health Searches for Partner

Orlando (Fla.) Health is considering several partnership proposals from both for-profit and nonprofit health systems, according to an Orlando Sentinel report.

Orlando Health has been struggling lately, according to the report. This past September, Sherrie Sitarik, the system's president and CEO, left her position in the wake of layoffs, pay cuts and talks of unionizing. Due in part to reduced Medicaid reimbursements, the health system has been restructuring and announced pay cuts and the elimination of 400 jobs.

However, Orlando Health spokeswoman Kena Lewis told the Sentinel the system is not for sale, and any potential deals would be no more extensive than partnerships the organization already has in place. For instance, the system has already partnered with University of Florida Health in Gainesville. Last month, the two healthcare organizations announced plans to collaborate on a comprehensive cancer care program.

Orlando Health leaders and board members will likely select one of the partnership proposals now on the table within the next three or four months, according to the report.

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