Officials from Middlebury, Vt.-based Porter Medical Center and Burlington-based University of Vermont Health Network unanimously voted to sign a non-binding letter of intent to negotiate a potential partnership. The vote took place Oct. 5.
According to officials, the letter of intent is non-binding. The formal negotiation process is expected to last roughly six months. PorterMedicalCenter will have the option to remain independent during negotiations.
The organizations could reach an agreement that would begin an affiliation as early as the spring of 2017.
"I look forward to the discussions that can bring PorterMedicalCenter into the UVM Health Network," said John Brumsted, MD, president and CEO of UVM Health Network. "Working together with PorterMedicalCenter providers, staff and leadership the opportunity, through collaboration, to improve access to health care and specialized services, and contribute positively to the overall health of the AddisonCounty community."