OHIO, USA — *Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous story.
Lake Health is officially a part of the University Hospitals health care system.
The completion of the merger, announced in a joint press release on Friday, was done through membership substitution.
The intention to integrate both organizations was announced in December of 2020. Lake Health will now become one of University Hospital's flagships, serving the Lake County community.
"Together, UH and Lake Health will ensure that patients continue to receive outstanding care from the same Lake Health doctors and nurses in the same locations they have come to know and trust," the organization said in a joint press release.
Through the merger, Lake Health brings multiple hospitals and more than 3,000 caregivers and 600 physicians to the UH health system, making it the largest acquisition to date.
“The addition of Lake Health expands our geographic footprint and is consistent with our strategy of bringing care close to home for our patients throughout Northeast Ohio,” said Cliff Megerian, MD, FACS, CEO of UH. “It will ensure convenient access to the most advanced health care and services for patients in Lake County and surrounding communities now and in the future.”
Lake Health is excited about what this new chapter and partnership will offer its established institution.
“In UH, we have found a like-minded organization that will allow us to create a stronger future while still being reflective of our mission to the community. This future includes a shared commitment to grow our health care network while maintaining our community focus to provide top quality and personalized care to our patients." said Cynthia Moore-Hardy, FACHE, president and CEO of Lake Health.
This is not the first time the two entities have joined forces. They have partnered together on the Lake Health, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer center for many years, became a minority member of Lake Health Beachwood Medical Center and, most recently, UH cardiac and thoracic surgeons began performing surgery at Lake Health West Medical Center.
“We are confident that our past experience will ensure a smooth and successful integration process that enhances care delivery to patients and leverages the strengths within our expanding organization,” said Dr. Megerian. “The integration will be guided by a shared philosophy and culture, and that is a commitment to our community and compassionate care. We have great respect for Lake Health, its leaders, physicians and caregivers, who are dedicated to serving their patients.”
*Editor's Note: The video in the player above originally aired on February 17, 2021.