DKH-HHC Faqs.Pdf
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Here are some answers about a proposed strategic partnership between Day Kimball Healthcare and Hartford HealthCare. What is this proposal about? Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH) and Hartford HealthCare (HHC) have signed a non-binding Letter of Intent to explore a strategic partnership. This is the first stage of what may be a multi-step process that could lead to a formal affiliation between our organizations. The proposed affiliation is a strategic decision to secure the viability of a healthcare delivery system for Northeast Connecticut for the future. While we undertake the affiliation review process, our two organizations will enter into a series of management services agreements. This means HHC will provide support in the management of select operations determined by DKH. These agreements offer economies of scale to help DKH reduce its cost structure. DKH leadership and members of the Board of Directors had determined, separate from the affiliation discussion, that entering into management services agreements with another health care organization made good business and operational sense. We liked what HHC had to offer and their management philosophy, which is why we felt that this was a good fit. We will also participate with HHC in initiatives to enhance quality, safety, and value-based arrangements that will benefit both health care systems and the patients we serve. What are the next steps? The non-binding Letter of Intent is the first step before a full affiliation could be achieved. HHC and DKH will perform a due diligence review to determine if a full affiliation would be in the best interests of the patients and communities that are served. If both organizations agree, and pending regulatory approvals, DKH would become a HHC Partner — a member of the Hartford HealthCare network, like Hartford Hospital, The Hospital of Central Connecticut, MidState Medical Center and, closer to home, Backus Hospital and Windham Hospital. No formal affiliation will become official until the boards of both organizations give their approval. Why are the two health systems thinking of affiliating? As we know, the healthcare landscape is changing fast — in Connecticut and across the nation. In this challenging environment, healthcare organizations are more likely to thrive when they create formal partnerships to work together. Affiliations enable organizations to share the knowledge and expertise of physicians, nurses and other staff members and give patients easier access to a wider range of services and treatments. As part of Hartford HealthCare, DKH patients would benefit from a more comprehensive system to provide seamless coordination of top-quality services — this includes primary care, laboratory services, complex hospital care, home care and other services. Together, Hartford HealthCare and DKH would be able to serve more communities to deliver excellent, personalized, coordinated care. And DKH would become part of a larger, financially-stable organization, which is critical to remaining in a position to continue to deliver high-quality, integrated healthcare. Would this be a sale? This process would lead to an affiliation, not a sale. So, DKH would not be purchased by HHC. Instead, if the process is completed as currently envisioned, DKH would become a full member of the Hartford HealthCare network, like Hartford Hospital, The Hospital of Central Connecticut, MidState Medical Center and, closer to home, Backus Hospital and Windham Hospital. What is happening between DKH and Hartford HealthCare and what could happen next? Representatives of the two healthcare systems have just signed a Letter of Intent. This expresses their willingness to work with each other to share information as they continue to explore affiliation. Both systems will enter an extensive review period to learn more about each other’s governance, finances, systems and processes — all to help determine if an affiliation is in everyone’s best interests. This is called “due diligence.” If successful, this would lead to a definitive agreement. The governing authorities (Boards of Directors) for both organizations must approve a final agreement. Affiliations of this nature also require regulatory approvals. This entire process typically takes several months. We will continue to keep you updated. Would DKH remain a not-for-profit hospital? What happens with donations to DKH? Yes. Hartford HealthCare and all its hospitals are community-based, not-for-profit organizations. If the health systems become affiliated, DKH would retain its not-for-profit status, continue to provide community benefits, and continue to solicit and accept donations to support its mission. All donations and philanthropic gifts made to DKH, previously and going forward, will remain with DKH as donors intended. Why did DKH select Hartford HealthCare? What does Hartford see in DKH? HHC and DKH share similar missions: to improve the health and healing of the communities they serve. Both DKH and HHC are interested in advancing opportunities in northeastern Connecticut to coordinate care, enable sharing of existing expertise, and provide new levels of capabilities and technologies. HHC wants to ensure that DKH’s tradition of providing the highest levels of patient-centered care would be preserved and enhanced under an affiliation. ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATIONS Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH) Day Kimball is a non-profit, integrated medical services provider comprised of Day Kimball Hospital, healthcare centers in Danielson, Dayville, Plainfield and Putnam, Day Kimball HomeCare, Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern CT, Day Kimball HomeMakers, and Day Kimball Medical Group. Its service area includes Northeast Connecticut as well as nearby Massachusetts and Rhode Island communities. Day Kimball Healthcare’s comprehensive network offers more than 1,400 employees including nearly 300 associated, highly-skilled physicians, surgeons and specialists. Visit DKH at daykimball.org. Hartford HealthCare (HHC) is Connecticut’s only truly integrated health care system. With more than 18,000 employees and $2.4 billion in net revenue, the system offers the full continuum of care with five-acute care hospitals, an air-ambulance service, one of the nation’s top medical training centers, comprehensive behavioral health and rehabilitation services, a large physician group and clinical integration organization, research facilities, skilled-nursing and visiting-nurse services, a laboratory system that spans the state, and a number of services for seniors, including senior living facilities. Visit HHC at hartfordhealthcare.org. .