Plans are moving forward for the St. Joseph Regional Health Network to become part of the Penn State Health system.
Officials from each entity met to discuss their vision on Wednesday afternoon at the St. Joseph Medical Center in Bern Township.
"I know this, Berks County will be a better place to live, work and play because of [the acquisition]," said Bruce Smith, chairman of the St. Joseph Regional Health Network Board of Directors.
Smith and other medical leaders noted that the acquisition will improve health care and provide it more affordably by combining resources.
According to Dr. Craig Hillemeier, CEO of Penn State Hershey Medical Center and Health System, jobs are not expected to be cut. In fact, he told 69 News the expansion will likely result in more hiring, particularly for IT positions.
Further, he noted that physicians won't be shuffled around, although the acquisition will provide "opportunities to grow their practices."
After discussions, medical leaders were taken on a tour of the medical center's newly renovated and expanded cancer/infusion center, the product of a long-standing relationship between the two health systems.
The improvement, according to officials, is just an example of those to come with the official partnership.
"This will really be a major, significant move for Berks County," said John Morahan, CEO of St. Joseph Regional Health Network.
Officials did note, however, that there are challenges ahead.
In order for the acquisition to become official, it must still be approved by the Pennsylvania attorney general and the Federal Trade Commission.
That is expected to take place in the coming weeks, according to Hillemeier.
from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1E3tv9N
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