DeKalb Medical Center and Emory Healthcare are trying to develop a “strategic partnership,” in which the first would be brought under the umbrella of the second.
The systems announced the plans Tuesday morning, saying the agreement is expected to be finalized in 2018, after regulatory agencies approve. The systems have signed a letter of intent to come up with a definitive agreement.
The news comes at the end of an at-times difficult 12 months for DeKalb Medical, which operates hospitals in the Decatur area and in Stonecrest. Late last year the CEO resigned and about 60 workers were laid off amid financial disappointments.
Current DeKalb Medical President and CEO Robert E. Wilson said the partnership with Emory, which has seven hospitals, will make his group stronger.
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“We are excited about the future,” he said in the news release. “Our community has counted on us for 56 years and we’ve always been here — growing to meet our community’s needs.”
Dr. Jonathan S. Lewin, CEO of Emory Healthcare, said Emory understands the need for community hospitals and academic medical centers.
“A partnership with DeKalb Medical will strategically support these efforts,” he said. “Both Emory and DeKalb Medical have a strong and historical commitment to providing exceptional care to the community.”
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