4/14/1998
PITTSBURGH, April 14, 1998 — Following months of discussion, the Board of Directors of Magee-Womens Hospital (Magee) and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) have fortified a long-standing relationship between the two institutions by endorsing a Letter of Intent, calling for a new partnership between the hospitals. Leadership from both institutions has agreed to the basic terms of an affiliation, solidifying a formalized relationship between these two regional leaders in healthcare.
"This affiliation is an exciting win-win proposition for both Magee-Womens Hospital and the women of Pittsburgh--allowing our special brand of Womancare to impact the good health of more women and infants than ever before in the hospital’s 87 year history," said Irma Goertzen, President and CEO of Magee-Womens Hospital. Currently, Womancare is accessible to more than 1.2 million women in a seven-county area. The Magee/UPMC affiliation could potentially increase Magee’s outreach to more than 2.1 million women in 29 counties.
"In so doing, we will maintain the character and unique quality of Magee, and the physicians, nurses and staff serving our patients," said David Smith, Chairman, Board of Directors of Magee-Womens Hospital. Smith also noted "our agreement with University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is anchored by a strong commitment to Magee’s mission ensuring specialized health care, professional education, and ongoing research which will improve the health of women and infants everywhere."
"Magee-Womens Hospital has long been a treasured resource for this community and has defined the gold standard for women’s health. The integration of this specialty hospital in to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center ensures that women throughout Western Pennsylvania will have access to Womancare, the finest health care services available," stated Jeffrey Romoff, President of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
"This agreement is the natural outcome of years of collaboration between these two premiere organizations. By formalizing and strengthening the synergistic relationship between the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Magee-Womens Hospital, both organizations will be able to expand their scope of services, UPMC programmatically and Magee geographically," concluded George Taber, President of the Board of Directors, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Because each institution is committed to the health and well-being of the community, the proposed integration of services and facilities will greatly enhance the ability of Western Pennsylvania women to access the highest quality in comprehensive and convenient healthcare. By sharing various clinical, administrative and financial risks, Magee and UPMC will establish new benchmarks in quality care for women and infants and reach goals that, on their own, neither institution could hope to attain.
Within the context of today’s rapidly changing healthcare environment, it is vital that specialty hospitals such as Magee strengthen relationships and strategically align themselves within a healthcare system which will ensure their continued success. In 1997, the Board of Directors of Magee participated in a series of planned sessions designed to determine how the hospital could enhance its tradition of excellence, leadership and education in women’s healthcare. Because of the strong academic affiliation with the University of Pittsburgh Medical School and the Health Center there was overwhelming agreement to take the next step in strengthening this relationship.
UPMC has made and will continue to make a substantial financial commitment to MWH which is evidence of their strong support of Womancare and the development and expansion of women’s healthcare services into the community. Areas under discussion for potential development and expansion include non-invasive diagnostic cardiology, physical therapy and breast care services, aesthetic services such as reconstructive surgery, and gastrointestinal care.
The official agreement is scheduled to be signed following a due diligence period of 3-6 months.
Founded in 1911, Magee-Womens Hospital is an acute care, research and teaching center that serves the Pittsburgh community and beyond. Magee-Womens philosophy of care focuses on treating women with dignity, empowering them through education and providing accessible healthcare for all women through a network of neighborhood centers and Womancare centers.
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is an integrated healthcare delivery system that spans western Pennsylvania. At its heart is a comprehensive academic medical center dedicated to providing exemplary patient care, educating the next generation of health care professionals, and advancing biomedical knowledge through basic and clinical research.