It’s Lehigh Valley.
Brian Symons, chapter president of Service Employees International Union Healthcare Pennsylvania, and others said Wednesday they had received a letter announcing that Schuylkill Health had signed a definitive agreement with Lehigh Valley Health Network.
The letter, signed by Marc Lory, interim president/chief executive officer for Schuylkill Health, was addressed to employees, physicians, auxiliary and volunteers of Schuylkill Health and distributed Wednesday.
“We are excited. We are happy to welcome our new partner. We think it is very good for the community,” Symons said.
A press release from SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, said workers at Schuylkill Medical Center were excited about the news. SEIU is having a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. May 4 for the public at the Ramada Inn, first floor ballroom, 101 S. Progress Ave. in Pottsville about the hospital’s future.
Officials at neither hospital would say anything Wednesday about the internal announcement.
Brian Downs, director of media relations for Lehigh Valley Health Network, said he couldn’t confirm the information in the letter but said there will be an announcement today.
Mike Peckman, director of marketing and public relations for Schuylkill Health, said in an email there will be a press conference for media only at 11:30 a.m. today at Schuylkill Medical Center-East Norwegian Street in the Wall Auditorium, 700 E. Norwegian St.
He did not offer further comment.
Lory was appointed by the board of directors of Schuylkill Health in September 2014 and started Oct. 6 after former CEO John E. Simodejka resigned in August 2014. In November 2014, Lory announced Schuylkill Health was looking to form a partnership with another entity.
The letter reads as follows:
“I am very pleased to share with you on behalf of our board of directors that we have just signed a definitive agreement with Lehigh Valley Health Network. When completed, the partnership will lead to expanded health care services, more advanced technology and more medical specialists available to the residents of Schuylkill County.
“Lehigh Valley Health Network has a tremendous reputation as a health care leader and innovator. Being part of that health system will elevate what we do here in our community and ultimately benefit the health and health care delivery for an entire community.
“The transaction is subject to the typical regulatory review associated with this type of transaction, and is expected to be complete by the end of 2016. That is a process that is now underway and it will take six to nine months to complete. In the meantime, our efforts to integrate our campuses continues.
“I am hopeful that this good news brings a sense of pride and a renewed spirit and commitment throughout our organization as we enter into a different phase of this partnership.
“You can take pride in knowing that numerous organizations were interested in partnering with Schuylkill Health. The decision on which organization to partner with was not taken lightly by our board. A special physician advisory group was formed and consideration of a partner was thoroughly explored. Not only were organizations interested in Schuylkill, be we were able to identify and select the organization we felt will best help us going forward.
“There is little that can be discussed during the regulatory review process, but be assured that once we learn of a decision, we will share that with you. We have also scheduled our next series of employee team forum meetings to discuss the partnership, campus integration and other key issues impacting what we do every day. Let’s take a moment to celebrate this great accomplishment, what it means for Schuylkill Health and the delivery of local healthcare going forward.
“On behalf of our boards, I want to thank you for your continued commitment to our patients and for what you do each day for Schuylkill Health.”