CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield Hospital and the DuBois Regional Medical Center’s plans to become a linked organization received a “no objection” position earlier this month from the state Attorney General’s office, according to Dennis L. Merrey, chairman of Clearfield Hospital’s board of directors.
While this represents a significant step forward in the process, there are still a few issues to address before the transaction is completed, Merrey noted. The final closing date is set for Sept. 30.
The two hospitals announced in November 2009 that they were meeting to discuss the possibilities of a formal partnership that would allow both hospitals to work together to “secure, enhance and expand” health care throughout their primary service areas and beyond.
Since that time, a group of administrators, physicians and board members from both facilities have worked with a well-respected consulting firm to develop a structure that is agreeable to both hospitals and best serves the respective communities.
That plan involves the creation of a parent company, Penn Highlands Healthcare, which holds certain reserved powers over DRMC, Clearfield Hospital and Brookville Hospital, a subsidiary of DRMC. Raymond A. Graeca, current president of DRMC, has been named chief executive officer of the parent corporation and will assume that position when the linkage is finalized.
The corporation will have a board of directors made up of representatives, including physicians, from each of the hospitals. Merrey will serve as chairman of the parent board.
Penn Highlands Healthcare and its board of directors will oversee joint efforts in such areas as expansion of services, acquisition of resources and operational efficiencies that benefit all three hospitals.
Each hospital in the system will retain its name, community base, medical staff and board of directors. Past and future community donations designated for each hospital will remain in that hospital’s control and used according to the donor’s wishes.
