Boston-based Massachusetts General Hospital, Dover, N.H.-based Wentworth-Douglass Hospital and Exeter (N.H.) Health Resources signed a letter of intent to develop a regional healthcare network for the Seacoast Region, Partners HealthCare announced May 15.
Here are four things to know about the partnership.
1. Under the partnership, the new regional nonprofit organization will serve as the parent company to Exeter Health Resources and Wentworth-Douglass, and as a subsidiary of Mass General. Wentworth-Douglass and Mass General are owned by Boston-based Partners HealthCare.
2. The goal of the network is to enhance and strengthen clinical programs at the three hospitals to meet the healthcare needs of the Seacoast community.
3. The board of each hospital separately authorized the letter of intent, allowing the organizations to enter into a due diligence phase, during which they will work to finalize a definitive agreement. Officials expect the diligence and regulatory review process for the partnership to last between 15 months and 18 months.
4. The hospitals will also hold community forums throughout the process for Seacoast residents to learn more about the network.