Geisinger
Health System (GHS) and Lewistown Hospital have announced that they have signed
a non-binding letter of intent to explore ways the organizations can work
together to benefit health care in Lewistown and the
surrounding area.
“The
healthcare environment not only here in the Juniata Valley, but throughout
Pennsylvania and across the country continues to evolve,” said Lewistown
Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Kay A. Hamilton. “Lewistown
Hospital is an integral part of the community, and it is our responsibility to
take the appropriate steps and best position the organization to provide
quality medical services to our patients well into the future.”
With the
signing of the letter of intent, Lewistown Hospital and Geisinger can now move
into a due diligence process and explore the possibilities of working together
in greater detail. This process could take several months.
“Geisinger
is always open to exploring ways to improve the health and well-being of the
people we serve and best meet the needs of the community,” said Geisinger
President and Chief Executive Officer Glenn Steele, Jr., MD. “We now have an
opportunity to determine together how best to accomplish this goal for the
people of the Lewistown area.”
Lewistown
Hospital and Geisinger already work together in a number of ways, including the
hospitalist, tele-stroke, tele-echo and eICU programs at the hospital. The
multi-specialty Geisinger-Lewistown physician practice has served the community
since 1983, and a second primary care practice is located in Juniata. Geisinger
acquired Lewistown Cardiology Associates in October 2011 and Juniata Valley
Gastroenterology Associates and Endoscopy Center in May 2012.
“The
signing of the letter of intent is an important and positive step forward in
our efforts to not only keep our hospital open, but to explore enhancements to
our clinical programs,” said Hamilton.