Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health, a New Hampshire-based health system that serves 1.9 million people across New England, and GraniteOne Health, a network of New Hampshire hospitals, have signed a letter of intent to merge.
The combined non-profit healthcare system will be called Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health GraniteOne and will offer integrated primary, specialty, ambulatory and inpatient care.
The merger is exemplary of the ongoing consolidation in the healthcare space, particularly among hospitals and health systems.
“As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, it is important for healthcare systems to evaluate how we can best serve our patients and communities and prepare for the future so we can continue to provide the high level of care that people expect,” Joanne M. Conroy, MD, CEO and president of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health, said in a statement. “By combining these two top healthcare organizations, we would create a patient-focused, unique and unparalleled option for New Hampshire that is responsive to community needs and patients’ desire for cost-effective, high-quality care."
The letter is non-binding and allows both organizations to continue the merger process, including due diligence, public input, negotiations, approval by each organization’s board of trustees and the Bishop of Manchester, and review from federal and state regulators.
All organizations in the combined system will keep their current names, identities and local leaders, according to the announcement.
Upon completion of the merger, the combined entity will seek to:
- Expand access to healthcare services for New Hampshire residents
- Respond to the growing demand for inpatient, specialty and sub-specialty services
- Coordinate and strengthen efforts to address behavioral health and substance abuse disorders
- Improve the health of populations with chronic conditions
- Address social determinants of health
"For 15 years, our two organizations have worked closely together to improve the lives and health of our patients and their families,” Joseph Pepe, MD, CEO of GraniteOne Health, said in a statement. “We have complementary visions for what health care in New Hampshire could be. Combining systems would allow us to advance that vision, expanding access to primary and specialty care for all New Hampshire residents, including vulnerable patients and communities."
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."