| What's New at Laurel Health System |
|
WILLIAMSPORT–The integration of Laurel Health System and its affiliates into Susquehanna Health received regulatory approval and September 1 was the effective date for the transition to the expanded Susquehanna Health.
Laurel Health System—including Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital, The Green Home, and other services—joined with the Williamsport Regional Medical Center, Divine Providence Hospital, Muncy Valley Hospital and the Susquehanna Health Medical Group, all under the umbrella of Susquehanna Health.
“We are enthusiastic about moving forward with Laurel Health,” says Steven P. Johnson, President and CEO of Susquehanna Health. “This partnership will create an expanded healthcare delivery system that will benefit the entire Tioga-Lycoming region. Together, we can focus all of our energies on improving the coordination of care to achieve better outcomes for our patients throughout central Pennsylvania.”
“We can serve our community much better through this partnership than we could by remaining independent,” says Ron Butler, President and CEO of Laurel Health System. “The advantages in terms of cost effective, expanded access are tremendous—and that is why the trend across the state and nation has been for hospitals to join together into larger systems. Being a part of Susquehanna Health allows us to focus on growth in Tioga County. We have worked with Susquehanna Health in the past in areas such as Information Technology so this more formalized relationship is a natural progression and above all, enhances our ability to provide for the healthcare needs of Tioga County residents.”
Eleven different work groups comprised of both Susquehanna Health and Laurel Health representatives have been formed to begin immediately planning for physician recruitment needs, adding cancer care in Tioga County and other key partnership priorities. Through the new affiliation, an initial goal is to increase access to primary care physicians and specialists in Tioga County.
The six Laurel Health Centers owned and operated by North Penn Comprehensive Health Services, Inc. will remain independent and continue to operate as free-standing Federally Qualified Health Centers. Susquehanna Health will have a continuing cooperative arrangement with the Laurel Health Centers as integral components of the Tioga County primary health care network.
Johnson will remain the CEO of the expanded Susquehanna Health system. Butler will assume the role of Executive Vice President/Chief Business Officer for Susquehanna Health, with a primary focus on overseeing the integration of the two organizations. Laurel Health System Chief Operating Officer (COO) and President of Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital Jan Fisher will become the new COO of Susquehanna Health, where she will be responsible for the daily operations of Divine Providence Hospital, Muncy Valley Hospital, Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital, Williamsport Regional Medical Center and SH’s other healthcare facilities.
About Susquehanna Health
Susquehanna Health is a three-hospital integrated health system including Divine Providence Hospital, Muncy Valley Hospital and Williamsport Regional Medical Center located in northcentral Pennsylvania. Serving patients from an 11-county region, Susquehanna Health is a healthcare leader and has been recognized at the national and state levels for quality of care. Susquehanna Health offers a wide array of services that include cancer care, heart and vascular care/heart surgery, neurosciences including neurosurgery, orthopedics, urology, OB/GYN, gastrointestinal services, behavioral health, physical rehabilitation, home care, long-term care, assisted living and paramedic/ambulance services.
About Laurel Health System
Laurel Health System (LHS), now becoming part of Susquehanna Health, is a nonprofit, integrated healthcare organization whose defining goal has been to provide excellent, efficient, and cost-effective services that improve the health and well-being of the community. LHS offers a wide range of services for all age groups from primary and acute care to long-term and preventive health services. Laurel Health System's service network includes Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital, The Green Home rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility, The Laurels Personal Care Home, Laurel Home Health / Hospice, and various other services.