The Memorial Health Board of Directors voted yesterday to engage in strategic discussions with Novant Health for the purposes of pursuing the possibility of a strategic partnership. Harry Haslam Jr., chairman of Memorial’s Board, said, “Our discussions are a proactive effort to ensure Memorial Health is well positioned to fulfill its mission of providing high-quality care for all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.” 

Maggie Gill, Memorial’s president & CEO, said, “Memorial Health and Novant Health share a commitment to quality care and serving the community.” As a safety net hospital, Memorial provided community benefit totaling approximately $54 million in 2013. Other goals of a potential partnership include expanding clinical services, many of which are unique to the region; improving quality; maintaining local governance; and population health. 

“We are excited to take this next step in our relationship with Memorial Health,” said, Carl Armato, president and chief executive officer of Novant Health. “Since 2012 we’ve seen how aligned our cultures are and how our organizational strengths are very complementary. We believe that, by working together, we will bring improved care in all of our communities.” Armato added.

The two not-for-profit health systems have been working together since August 2012 when Memorial partnered with Novant Health’s shared services division. Since that time, Memorial has experienced over $8 million in savings, established a joint venture with Novant Health to build a $28 million free-standing children’s hospital, and worked together in other areas including information technology services and clinical service lines.