Johnston Health to meet with potential partners

October 16, 2012

The Johnston Health Board of Commissioners has taken the next step in its search for an affiliation partner and has invited three health care organizations to make presentations on separate dates in November.

 UNC Health Care, Vidant Health (formerly University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina) and WakeMed have been asked to discuss with the board their proposals for a joint partnership.

"These three organizations met our request that our board be allowed to retain control of the partnership," said Ralph Stewart, chairman of the Johnston Health board. "That was important to us."

Because the material covered in these meetings represents competitive health care information and falls within the confidentiality agreements associated with the process, the presentations will be held in closed sessions.

The board is considering an affiliation as a way to prepare for changes in the health care industry and to position the health care system for future growth. It would also provide Johnston Health and its patients access to the benefits of partnering with a larger health care system. Through the joint partnership arrangements being considered, the board seeks to retain a majority voice in decision making.