Oxford's McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital says it's exploring affiliation options with Mercy Health.
The hospital's Board of Directors voted Thursday to move forward with the process. It had been considering affiliation options since October 2012. The Board says it will enter exclusive discussions with Mercy leaders to craft the partnership. The process is projected to take six to eight months.
In a release, McCullough-Hyde says:
“There is nothing more important to our Board than ensuring a strong future for healthcare in the communities we serve,” said Richard Norman, chairman of the McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital Board of Directors. “It is our responsibility to prepare McCullough-Hyde for the significant changes in the healthcare industry, and to enhance quality healthcare services for our patients – today and for generations to come. After considering several organizations, our Board has chosen to explore a mutually beneficial affiliation with Mercy Health.”
“We are fortunate to be making this decision from a position of strength,” said Bryan Hehemann, CEO of McCullough?Hyde. “We are financially strong, but being proactive allows us to take our future into our own hands. Maintaining a strong local health system has always been and will remain our mission. A relationship with Mercy Health will only reinforce that charge.” “We are excited about the opportunity to discuss an affiliation with McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital,” said Yousuf Ahmad, Market President and CEO of Mercy Health. “Our vision is to build a network of care across the region that offers quality care with compassion, close to home. We look forward to working together to strengthen McCullough?Hyde’s position as the leading provider of local, quality healthcare in the communities it serves.”
