Boston-based Partners HealthCare and Providence-based Care New England have ceased partnership talks with Lifespan after roughly nine months, according to the Providence Journal.
Lawrence Aubin Sr., chairman of Lifespan's board of directors, confirmed the news in an Oct. 29 statement to the Providence Journal.
"Lifespan worked creatively and tirelessly toward a potential partnership with Partners HealthCare and Care New England. Unfortunately, Partners HealthCare and Lifespan could not reach an agreement and talks have ended," Mr. Aubin said, adding that the health system remains open to potential partnerships in the future.
The three organizations announced plans to partner in February to improve access to healthcare in Rhode Island. Partners is currently negotiating terms to take over CNE. The systems announced the prospective merger plans in January.
Despite ending discussions, representatives from Partners and CNE told the Providence Journal both systems remain in communication with Lifespan.
"Our plans with Care New England continue to move ahead and we are working closely with state and federal regulators to formalize our longstanding partnership. While our current discussions with Lifespan are not moving forward, we are hopeful that in the years ahead we can continue to work collaboratively with them to ensure that patients in Rhode Island have access to excellent care," a spokesperson from Partners told the publication.
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