Memorial Family of Services to join Virginia Mason: 5 things to know

Virginia Mason Health System in Seattle will affiliate with Yakima, Wash.-based Memorial Family of Services.

Here are five things to know about the affiliation.

1. It is a non-cash transaction.

2. Under the affiliation, Virginia Mason will absorb Memorial Family of Services, which includes Yakima (Wash.) Valley Memorial Hospital, as well as several clinics and outpatient centers.

3. Virginia Mason Chairman and CEO Gary Kaplan, MD, said in a news release the affiliation "allows two innovative, patient-centered organizations to work as one in establishing a comprehensive network of care." Officials said the affiliation will also expand Virginia Mason's presence in Central Washington, where it already has partnerships with Kittitas Valley Healthcare in Ellensburg and Confluence Health in Wenatchee for providing or supporting specific services.

4. Leaders of both organizations have signed a definitive agreement paving the way for the affiliation, capping off months of evaluation and study by the organizations' boards and leadership teams.

5. The affiliation is expected to take effect early next year.

Memorial Family of Services to join Virginia Mason: 5 things to know

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