Hoag Hospital and Providence Health end 10 years of association – Orange County Register

Hoag Hospital and Providence Health will go separate ways at the end of January, with hospital officials assuring in an announcement that the dissolution of the previous merger will not hinder patients receiving care. high quality care in Orange County.

In a joint statement, the health care systems announced on Monday, January 10, they had reached an amicable mediation agreement that would allow Hoag to return to independence. The Hoag administration filed a lawsuit in May 2020 asking for the link to be terminated.

“Although we are officially parting ways, we will have other opportunities to work together on behalf of the community,” Erik Wexler, Providence’s president of operations, said in a statement. “We look forward to future collaborations with our colleagues at Hoag, whom we continue to appreciate.”

Hoag became part of St. Joseph Health in 2012, and then in 2016, Providence and St. Joseph’s union, creating the nation’s third-largest nonprofit health care system. Companies have sought partnerships to expand services and improve clinical outcomes through shared expertise.

Robert T. Braithwaite, CEO and president of Hoag Memorial Presbyterian Hospital, said in a joint statement, “We appreciate the relationship we have built over the years with Providence and Saints. Josephteams. “This move opens up new avenues of collaboration in the future, as each organization brings its own unique strengths to the service of patients.”

When Hoag filed a lawsuit in Orange County Superior Court to dissolve its branch from Providence, its leadership said the move was so the hospital could continue its mission of better serving the local community, calls the current structure “not in the best interest of our patients, physicians and team members. ”

Officials from Providence responded that Hoag’s time couldn’t have been worse as the pandemic was intensifying and suggested the split could harm local patients. “Our relationship has been strong since 2012, so-called Hoag leaders’ so-called ‘readjustment’ plan will negatively impact patient care, reduce resources and medical expertise available to Orange County.”

In Monday’s statement, officials from the two health systems said they would work together to ensure a seamless transition. The statement said officials from both organizations would have no further comment.