Stormont-Vail HealthCare of Topeka and Geary Community Hospital of Junction City have announced an affiliation arrangement between the entities. Their respective Boards of Trustees each approved the agreement during their regular March board meetings. Health care systems throughout the country have faced increased financial and quality pressures in recent years. “While we may not know exactly what the future holds for health care, we do know this – we must change the way we deliver care. We must improve quality and decrease costs,” stated Randy Peterson, Stormont-Vail HealthCare President and Chief Executive Officer. “We must provide a more patient-centered experience than ever before. Creating collaborative relationships with like-minded partners like Geary Community Hospital is a step in the right direction for Stormont- Vail.”
As affiliates, the organizations will join forces to purchase supplies at a lower cost. They will also collaborate on such things as better integration of clinic services and the sharing of best practices in non-clinical activities. “We look forward to working together to share knowledge and expertise and to develop and strengthen health care in our region,” said Peterson.
“This is not a buyout, a merger, or a management agreement with Stormont,” said Geary Community Hospital Chief Executive Officer Joe Stratton. Each organization maintains its independence, management and structure. “We are talking about a committed strategic collaboration that will focus on improving our quality of care, decreasing our costs, and ultimately enhancing positive patient experiences at both GCH and Stormont-Vail.”
