While a proposed affiliation between Yale New Haven (Conn.) Health and New London, Conn.-based Lawrence + Memorial Healthcare has elicited strong support from officials, some members of the community are concerned over the terms of the agreement, according to the New Haven Register.
The public testified for more than four hours in hearing Monday held by the Office of Healthcare Access, which is responsible for voting on the affiliation. A second hearing will be held for the public and hospital officials to cross-examine each other.
Supporters of the transaction, including New Haven Mayor Toni Harp, told the Register that the Yale New Haven Health maintains a "strong relationship" with the city and that the affiliation will stand as a catalyst for development tied to its research facilities.
But the affiliation isn't popular with everyone. One member of the community regarded the affiliation as another "corporate takeover" that may end up costing patients more in the long run.