J.C. Blair and PinnacleHealth Sign Agreements

Updated on May 2, 2014

On Tuesday, J.C. Blair’s Board of Directors approved the signing of a Strategic Affiliation and Support Agreement and Membership Agreement with PinnacleHealth. Michael A. Young, President and CEO of PinnacleHealth, and Lisa M. Mallon, President and CEO of J.C. Blair Health System, have signed the agreement which became effective today, Thursday, May 1, 2014.

The agreements outline how the two entities will work together to develop clinical affiliations and a close corporate alignment to offer expanded, high-quality healthcare services in the Huntingdon region. The affiliation is based on each organization’s recognition of the importance of maintaining quality healthcare service in local communities.

The agreement is a collaboration, not a merger, and will allow the J.C. Blair Health System board to continue its leadership functions and J.C. Blair’s administration to work with PinnacleHealth’s leadership in developing and implementing strategic initiatives. PinnacleHealth will become invested in J.C. Blair as a member.

“This long-awaited date of signing now allows us to move forward with the various support services we have already initiated with PinnacleHealth, such as our hospitalist program, telemedicine services, payroll system support, group purchasing, and physician recruitment,” said Mallon. “Our most immediate strategic initiative includes recruiting physicians and investing in the capital items that are necessary to support these physicians, specifically surgical specialists.”

“Through our ongoing collaborations, PinnacleHealth has successfully strengthened local access to physician specialists and technological services for the Huntingdon community,” states Michael A. Young, president & CEO, PinnacleHealth. “We anticipate a future that further ensures patients receive the most advanced, quality care close to home.”

About PinnacleHealth System

PinnacleHealth is a pioneer not-for-profit healthcare system dedicated to improving the health and quality of life for the people of Central Pennsylvania since 1873. A proven leader in medical innovation, PinnacleHealth offers a wide range of services from primary care to the most complex surgeries and Magnet recognition for nursing excellence. The healthcare network includes four campuses (Community, West Shore, Harrisburg and Polyclinic). The West Shore Hospital will open in Hampden Township in 2014. The five-story hospital will include 108 beds with an emergency department, medical/surgical care, cardiology, orthopedics, chronic disease management, and private patient rooms. PinnacleHealth is part of RiverHealth ACO, an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP). Medical services, including family practice, imaging, outpatient surgery and oncology are offered at multiple locations throughout the region. For a complete list of services, visit our website at www.pinnaclehealth.org.

About J.C. Blair Health System:

J.C. Blair Health System is the healthcare leader in Huntingdon County, serving the community’s healthcare needs and striving to deliver the best outcome for every patient for over 100 years. The Health System includes J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital, a 100-bed, non-profit community hospital; J.C. Blair Medical Services which employs over 30 primary care and specialty physicians and nurse practitioners; J.C. Blair Rehabilitation Services; and J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital Foundation. For a complete list of services, visit our website at www.jcblair.org

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