Scottsdale Healthcare and John C. Lincoln Health Network, two of the Valley’s most respected locally-based non-profit health systems, have completed the closing documents for a system-wide affiliation to improve the health of communities served by the respective organizations.

The affiliation creates a new non-profit corporate entity, Scottsdale Lincoln Health Network, which will oversee the Scottsdale Healthcare and John C. Lincoln hospitals, clinics, outpatient centers and related services. A Letter of Intent to affiliate was approved by both organizations in April, followed by customary regulatory review processes after a definitive agreement was reached by both organizations in August.

The affiliation does not include the combination of assets and thus is not considered a merger. However management of the affiliated assets will now be vested in a board made up of Scottsdale Healthcare and John C. Lincoln directors.

Both Scottsdale Healthcare and John C. Lincoln Health Network have long histories of high quality care and innovation, are financially sound and now will move forward to create the healthcare organization of the future. What this means for the communities served by John C. Lincoln and Scottsdale Healthcare includes:

·         More convenient access to acute and preventive care.
·         Increased coordination of medical care.
·         An expanded network of high quality primary care and specialty physicians.
·         Creation of a single electronic health record that can be accessed at all levels of care throughout the affiliated health network.
·         Shared best practices.

The new Scottsdale Lincoln Health Network encompasses five acute care hospitals with approximately 10,500 employees, 3,700 affiliated physicians and 3,100 volunteers, an extensive primary care physician network, urgent care centers, clinical research, medical education, an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, an Accountable Care Organization, two foundations and extensive community services.

Tom Sadvary is chief executive officer and Rhonda Forsyth is president of Scottsdale Lincoln Health Network. Steve Wheeler is chairman and Frank Pugh is vice chairman of the Scottsdale Lincoln Health Network Board of Directors.

“Our communities will still receive the same world-class patient care you’ve come to expect from Scottsdale Healthcare and John C. Lincoln Health Network. Our goal is provide excellent, cost-effective care and a patient experience that exceeds your expectations,” said Sadvary.

“The shared vision for our new system is to become a fully integrated, locally controlled, world-class non-profit health system that works effectively to improve our community’s health,” added Forsyth.

Completion of the agreement to affiliate creates a geographically dispersed non-profit healthcare system positioned to             successfully deliver high quality, cost-effective healthcare, according to network leaders.

“Scottsdale Healthcare and John C. Lincoln Health Network both share a commitment to continuing their longstanding support of community health services, health education, disease prevention, screenings and other services,” explained Wheeler.

The combined health organizations are well-positioned to thrive in a rapidly changing healthcare environment, and to embrace the transformation of healthcare delivery that transcends the traditional acute care-centric orientation.

“The affiliation adds value to our ability to serve our patients, and allows us to develop a clinically integrated system of care where physicians, hospitals and other clinicians work in partnership to ensure that patients receive the services they need for the best outcomes,” said Pugh.

Integration planning for the new Scottsdale Lincoln Health Network will continue during the next several months to develop an outline of key priorities, noted Sadvary. The board and senior leadership of the affiliated organization will take a thoughtful and methodical approach to integration planning.