October 15, 2009
News Release
(Millinocket, Maine) – The Millinocket Regional Hospital Board of Trustees this week finalized their agreement to become a strategic affiliate of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems (EMHS).
Millinocket CEO Marie Vienneau, FACHE says becoming an EMHS strategic affiliate is a natural fit since the hospital has had a clinical affiliation with Eastern Maine Medical Center for some time (EMMC is a member of EMHS). “We’ve worked closely on many projects, including teletrauma, telemed oncology, pharmacy, and currently we are working to bring Critical Care Connection to MRH, which will supply a direct link to EMMC’s Intensive Care Unit.” Vienneau went on to say that inclusion in EMHS’ group purchasing of equipment and materials will allow the hospital to trim costs, “and our physicians and other staff desire a closer affiliation so they can participate in the affinity group and task force process, especially in the area of evidence based medicine.
Strategic affiliation differs from full system membership in that, while affiliates participate in cost-saving measures and with the affinity process, they do not get philanthropic support from EMHS or a vote on business decisions. That’s because strategic affiliates are not financially tied to the system. EMHS member organizations are financially integrated yet maintain local governance, management, and medical staff.
EMHS president and CEO M. Michelle Hood, FACHE welcomed Millinocket Regional Hospital, stating that strategic affiliation is in line with the EMHS promise of access to quality healthcare close to home. “The economics of healthcare will likely only become more challenging, so sharing costs, services, and a collegial relationship with like organizations simply makes sense.” Going forward, she said, hospitals will increasingly face higher expectations of clinical quality, continuity of care, and shared electronic medical records systems. “While these things are all necessary, they do require resources. Being strategically aligned with EMHS will allow Millinocket to evaluate and pursue many opportunities,” Hood added.
Until recently, Millinocket Regional Hospital was affiliated with Quorum Health Resources. That contract was not renewed when it expired this fall. Vienneau cited a desire for increased local clinical and purchasing support as reasons why the hospital instead looked to a strategic relationship with EMHS.
Millinocket Regional Hospital becomes the third EMHS strategic affiliate. The others are Mayo Regional Hospital and Houlton Regional Hospital.
Member organizations are Eastern Maine Medical Center, The Aroostook Medical Center, The Acadia Hospital, Blue Hill Memorial Hospital, Charles A. Dean Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home, Inland Hospital, and Sebasticook Valley Hospital. Other member organizations include, Affiliated Healthcare Systems, Healthcare Charities, Dirigo Pines Retirement Community, Eastern Maine Home Care, the Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health, and Rosscare. EMHS also has a LLC with Central Maine Healthcare for LifeFlight of Maine.
EMHS' vision is to be the best rural healthcare system in America by 2012. Our members share common values and work to ensure the highest quality care is available to all.
30-30-30