Lahey Health and Winchester Hospital Partner with Affiliation Agreement

Winchester Healthcare Management partnered with Lahey Health announced that the organizations signed an Affiliation Agreement on October 1, bringing the Winchester Hospital into the Lahey Health system.

The affiliation brings together high-preforming organizations to form a delivery system focused on quality, cost efficient, community-based healthcare.

“This is tremendous news for all residents of our communities,” Kevin Smith, President and CEO of Winchester Hospital said in a press release. “This new partnership will allow our organizations to continue providing high-quality, cost-efficient, community-based care, and thrive in an evolving healthcare landscape.”

“We are thrilled to add Winchester Hospital to the Lahey Health network of providers,” Howard Grant, JD, MD, President and CEO of Lahey Health said in a press release. “Winchester Hospital is a highly respected community hospital. Together we will deliver on our commitment to provide greater value, higher quality care and improved programs and services to the thousands of area residents who rely on us for their healthcare needs.”

According to the press release, Winchester Hospital patients will gain access to tertiary level services locally through Lahey Health while maintaining access to Winchester Hospital providers. Additionally, the Epic electronic health record, widely recognized as the gold standard for improving coordination of care and enhancing patient experience, will be implemented at Winchester Hospital and throughout Lahey Health.

In August 2012, Winchester Hospital formed an Affiliation Steering Committee made up of physician, hospital and board leaders and engaged in a thoughtful process to identify a long-term, strategic partner that would provide the best opportunity to create an exceptional healthcare system. The strategic and financial advisor, Navigant Capital Advisors, and its outside legal counsel Mintz Levin supported the Board on this decision 

Winchester Hospital will maintain its own Board of Directors with key responsibilities including oversight of hospital operations and credentialing of medical staff members.