Flagler Health + and UF Health announced May 16 they reached a definitive agreement to begin integrating services this summer.
In February, the Flagler Health+ board of trustees and the hospital’s leadership team started merger talks with UF Health to enhance health care services in the community.
The hospitals are moving forward with due diligence for plans for Flagler Health+ to become part of UF Health.
“We envision a future where the services provided by Flagler Health+ meet all our community members’ needs,” Flagler Health+ Board of Trustees Chairman Todd Neville said a news release in February.
Flagler Health+ is a not-for-profit medical facility that was formed in 1889.
UF Health is the University of Florida’s academic health center.
UF Health has seven hospitals in the University of Florida health system including the teaching hospital at UF Health-Jacksonville. UF Health has also opened three Jacksonville-based Emergency & Urgent Care Centers.
“UF Health is uniquely positioned to bring much-needed top-flight service to Northeast Florida and to ensure that all of the region’s residents have access to the very best health care available,” UF President Ben Sasse said in a May 16 news release.
“Florida’s population growth is remarkable, and Flagler and St. Johns are among the state’s10 fastest-growing counties. This agreement builds on Flagler’s long tradition of caring for the community and positions UF to offer the latest breakthroughs in pursuit of ensuring Floridians can enjoy the quality of life they deserve,” he said.
In looking for a partner, the Flagler Health+ search criteria included:
• Enhancement of patient satisfaction.
• Continue community-focused service lines like behavioral health and women’s health.
• Providing health care to underserved populations.
• Strengthen Flagler Health + ability to recruit and retain staff.
• Ability to upgrade the hospital’s technology systems.
• Allow for the growth in investments, facilities and infrastructure.