Published in the July 8, 2016 edition
Here’s hoping the proposed merger of Hallmark Health and Wellforce works out, because Melrose-Wakefield Hospital needs it to.
A longtime health care staple in our community, we have depended on Melrose-Wakefield for decades and can’t give up on it now.
Officials are planning an expensive expansion of the hospital’s physical plant and medical services. They need Wellforce to make it happen.
Last week, Hallmark Health, the parent company of Melrose-Wakefield Hospital and Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford, announced that its board of trustees unanimously approved a letter of intent to join Wellforce, the parent company of Tufts Medical Center and Circle Health (including Lowell General Hospital).
The vote comes after an extensive review process that considered numerous proposals from both local and national providers.
“Hallmark Health has a great future in partnering with an organization that shares our vision of providing unparalleled access to high quality, comprehensive, low-cost care, here in our communities. In Wellforce, we see that future. We are excited to enter into this exclusive agreement,” said Alan Macdonald, president and chief executive officer, Hallmark Health.
“We are fortunate to have had a great number of thoughtful proposals to consider,” adds Macdonald, “but Wellforce clearly stood out as an organization that we can see ourselves aligning with and positioning us for future growth. They bring together thriving community hospitals, a renowned academic medical center and strong physician networks that are leaders in population health management. “
“Wellforce and its hospitals and physicians have an exceptional clinical reputation and we are excited to work together for the health of our patients and our communities,” said Laurence Conway, MD, president of the Hallmark Health medical staff and member of the Board’s affiliation work group.
Hallmark attempted to merge with Partners HealthCare but the acquisition fell apart last year as the attorney general, state officials and a judge expressed concern about the move.
Hallmark Health and Wellforce will now enter into an exclusive due diligence process. Over the next few months, the groups will finalize the terms under which Hallmark Health will join the Wellforce system and work with the appropriate regulatory agencies to secure the necessary approvals.
“We are extremely pleased to be selected by Hallmark Health,” said Norm Deschene, CEO of Wellforce. “Hallmark Health and Wellforce share a commitment to first and foremost doing what is right for our local communities, patients and physicians. We look forward to forging a partnership that benefits the Hallmark Health communities for decades to come.”
“Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University have a special affinity for the communities surrounding Hallmark Health. Our partnership with Lowell General through Wellforce has proven that academic medicine doesn’t have to stay sheltered in Boston but can and should come out to the community,” said Michael Wagner, MD, president and CEO of Tufts Medical Center.
It’s that commitment to community that makes this proposed marriage an attractive one for all involved, especially us — the patients.