The Boards of Directors of both Jefferson Manor Health Center and Penn Highlands Healthcare have signed a letter of intent designed to pave the way for Jefferson Manor Health Center to become affiliated with Penn Highlands Healthcare.
The affiliation, which is expected to take effect in early 2019, is designed to strengthen the delivery of skilled nursing, personal care and independent living services provided by the Brookville-based continuing care retirement community, Jefferson Manor Health Center.
The mission of Penn Highlands Healthcare is to provide exceptional care through its community-based health system while maintaining a reverence for life.
“That mission is an outstanding fit for our organization,” said Dr. H. Ed Richards, vice chair of the Jefferson Manor Health Center board.
“Jefferson Manor Health Center has always been committed to providing the highest standard of care and quality of life for our residents. Penn Highlands Healthcare’s culture is a perfect fit,” he added.
“An affiliation with Penn Highlands Healthcare will allow a greater opportunity for Jefferson Manor Health Center to continue to provide quality long-term care services for our residents close to their family and friends,” added Misty Fleming, administrator of Jefferson Manor Health Center.
According to Ron King, chair of the Penn Highlands Healthcare board, “The affiliation of Jefferson Manor Health Center will expand the post-acute care strategy that the health system has recently embarked on.”
“As patients continue to receive more healthcare services outside the traditional hospital setting, partnering with non-hospital providers will position Penn Highlands Healthcare for the future,” he added.
“We are thrilled to be working toward an affiliation with Jefferson Manor Health Center,” said Steve Fontaine, chief executive officer of Penn Highlands Healthcare.
“As with all of our affiliations, we know Jefferson Manor Health Center will be successful at sharing our vision to be the integrated health system of choice through excellent quality, service and outcomes.”
The signing of the letter of intent means that Jefferson Manor Health Center and Penn Highlands Healthcare have agreed to general terms and conditions of a prospective affiliation.
Throughout the next few months, both parties will engage in additional due diligence, research and discussions to work toward a definitive agreement.
While this process is subject to customary regulatory review, officials from both organizations hope to complete the affiliation process by the end of 2018.