Letter below:
"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.”
Speculation began last week when a job posting by the Lehigh Valley Network was circulating online looking for medical staff in the Schuylkill County Area.
A press conference is scheduled for Thursday for the media only to make the announcement.