This week, Greenville Health System (GHS) and Oconee Medical Center approved a memorandum of understanding that paves the way for the entities to “explore ways to work together more closely,” according to GHS.
The memorandum does not commit either organization to any action, but does establish a March 15 deadline for a more formal letter of intent to collaborate, GHS officials said. The memo states “the two organizations will study opportunities to enhance healthcare in Oconee County and develop a more specific agreement for consideration by both boards.” If approved by the two boards, an agreement could be in place by June, GHS said.
Over the past five years, Oconee Medical Center has met with regional nonprofit healthcare organizations and multiple for-profit companies on ways to affiliate. According to Oconee, all were based in other states.
“We were most comfortable with a South Carolina-based partner that shares our commitment to serving the people of the Upstate,” said Jeanne Ward, president and CEO of Oconee Medical Center, in a statement. “We also feel that having a local partner creates more opportunities for sharing of resources than an out-of-state partner would.”
The two systems currently collaborate on telemedicine stroke care and an enhanced cardiac care program.
“We believe that collaboration among hospitals, physicians and other providers is the way to change healthcare for the better,” said Michael Riordan, president and CEO of GHS, in a statement. “Working together allows us to have the resources and expertise needed to improve the health of the communities we serve. That is the ultimate goal. By working together, we can do more than any one of us could do by ourselves.”
Oconee Medical Center, based in Seneca, has 169 licensed beds and employs more than 120 physicians. It was established in 1939 and is not-for-profit.
Greenville Health System most recently extended its reach into Laurens County about six months ago, taking over operations of the Laurens County Health System effective July 1, 2013, and making it GHS’ sixth campus. In Pickens County, GHS has a 50-percent partnership with Palmetto Health to operate Baptist Easley Hospital.
GHS is currently the largest employer in Greenville County and the largest health care system in the state.
