Johnson Memorial Medical Center, Saint Francis Announce Affiliation

Johnson Memorial Medical Center (JMMC), the parent organization of Johnson Memorial Hospital (JMH), Evergreen Health Care Center and Home & Community Health Services; and Saint Francis Care, Inc., the parent organization of Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, announced today completion of an affiliation agreement designed to maintain JMMC as an independent source of high-quality healthcare and expand its clinical services in North Central Connecticut. Under terms of the agreement, JMMC is now a Saint Francis Care Partner, but both JMH and Saint Francis will continue to be independent, separately licensed institutions. By accessing Saint Francis Care's resources – including various clinical services such as oncology, cardiology, behavioral health, hospitalists and laboratory services – JMMC will enhance its continuum of care and realize substantial operational efficiencies. JMMC also has immediate access to administrative and operational support from Saint Francis. "Our goal is to preserve JMMC long term, revitalize the Johnson Surgery and Outpatient Services Center, and introduce electronic medical record systems within the next two years," said David Morgan, JMMC's President and Chief Executive Officer. "The local healthcare market will continue to undergo changes resulting from healthcare reform. This alliance provides a foundation for developing an integrated and comprehensive delivery system of accountable care," concluded Morgan. "By tapping into Saint Francis Care's resources, including various clinical services such as hospitalist services and case management, JMMC will achieve substantial expense reductions," said Christopher M. Dadlez, President and Chief Executive Officer of Saint Francis. "We believe this affiliation will help to strengthen JMMC, and provide its patients expanded access through services provided by Saint Francis," added Dadlez. A recent illustration of the benefits of this affiliation is already underway through the opening of the 4,000 square-foot Karen Davis Krzynowek Infusion Center (KDKIC) in Enfield, at 142 Hazard Avenue. KDKIC serves those in need of infusion therapies, such as chemotherapy, biotherapy, and other intravenous therapies. Saint Francis Care has relocated its local infusion services, previously located at 7 Elm Street, to the JMH site, creating the only hospital-based infusion center in Enfield. Medical directorship of the Johnson Memorial Cancer Center is provided by Saint Francis Care, and staffed by physicians from its hematology-oncology practice.