The previously proposed merger between Boston’s Partners Healthcare and Care New England, one of the largest systems in Rhode Island, may have a third partner: Lifespan, the operator of Rhode Island Hospital.

The Providence Journal reports the three systems released a joint statement that they’ll enter into formal discussions about how they may collaborate “to strengthen patient care delivery in Rhode Island.” While the idea of Partners taking over a Rhode Island system has led to pushback from local entities—including an unsolicited offer from Brown University to acquire Care New England—Lifespan CEO Timothy Babineau, MD, said he was excited about what the partnership could do for care delivery in the region.

“Lifespan has always been interested in partnering with like-minded, superb organizations, and I look forward to the discussions and the potential to continually improve the seamless and coordinated care we deliver to our patients,” he said in a separate statement to the Journal.

What the partnership could be is an open question, as the joint statement didn’t mention the word “merger.” But that’s exactly what seems to be on the table, in the opinion of United Nurses and Allied Professionals spokesman Ray Sullivan.

“We are curious to see what develops from talks between Lifespan, Partners HealthCare and Care New England,” Sullivan said. “Should a three-way deal be consummated, we would expect to begin discussions with management on how to strengthen resources for bedside caregivers and support staff as part of a wider effort to improve healthcare delivery in Rhode Island.”

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