(Host) A new "affiliation" agreement is in the works between two of Vermont’s hospitals.
The board of Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington approved the proposal on Tuesday. Central Vermont Medical Center’s board did the same last week.
If the proposal wins final approval and clears regulatory review, a new parent board would be formed.
Fletcher Allen Partners would oversee budgets, strategic planning and other major initiatives.
Judy Tarr is the CEO of Central Vermont Medical Center.
(Tarr) "This model is a model that was very similar to one that was developed about 15 years ago in Maine where the hospital maintains its separate identity but can benefit from the work of the much larger system."
(Host) Fletcher Allen CEO Linda Estes says the new organization will allow the two hospitals to integrate their systems.
And she says she’s confident that means that patients will be better served.
(Estes) "Where I think we have a real opportunity is as we move forward, our plan is to have a common electronic health record. So obviously patients would see the electronic platform at both organizations be the same."
(Host) Fletcher Allen and Central Vermont will now examine each other’s books. Then, they’ll seek approval from state and federal authorities.
That could take another six to nine months.