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I’m excited to tell you that yesterday, the Whatcom Regional Board
and PeaceHealth System Board agreed that the acquisition of Madrona Medical
Group (MMG) would be aligned with our Mission, Vision and Values. The Boards
came to this conclusion through an in-depth process called “Ethical
Discernment.” This decision is a major milestone on our path toward closer
integration of the two groups. As you know, the primary reason for aligning with MMG is our shared view
that we can together provide a better patient experience and better resource
utilization for our community. With that in mind, we needed to conduct a
disciplined review called Ethical Discernment. Ethical Discernment is a
process used by PeaceHealth for every proposed major new service or change
in service, to ensure that the proposal would be in alignment with our
Mission, Vision and Values. Yesterday, we looked at extensive information
that has been gathered about MMG, as well as input and concerns from
community representatives, physicians and employees. We used listening,
reflection, prayer and discussion – keeping the Mission, Vision and Values
as our guiding light and foundation for our decision.
Overall, we agreed that an affiliation with MMG would contribute
significantly to achieving Peace Health’s vision. By expanding the best
practices of both organizations we can accomplish more together than is
possible for either organization to do alone. The boards asked for
additional information and will make their final decision in January based
on “the greater good” as the ultimate discernment value.
What’s next? The discovery phase is continuing, in which PeaceHealth Whatcom
Region and MMG exchange information. The negotiating teams are meeting
regularly. Although there is still a long way to go, we expect to have final
details for recommendation to both boards by late January.
We continue to be very excited about this opportunity to enhance our promise
of providing safe, evidence-based, compassionate care for the communities we
serve. |