Santiam Hospitals and Clinics, based in Stayton, Oregon, have recently signed a nonbinding letter of intent with Samaritan Health Services, located in Corvallis, Oregon, to explore a potential merger. Both organizations are committed to enhancing local access to healthcare services and promoting health equity. The merger would also expand community resources.
The primary objectives of the merger would be to provide better healthcare services to patients and increase the efficiency of operations. Santiam Hospital and Clinics consists of an acute care hospital and 11 clinics, employing over 600 individuals, including 70 medical staff members. Samaritan Health Services operates five community hospitals, more than 100 physician clinics, and various health insurance plans with 6,000 employees including 620 physicians.
Over the next several months, Santiam Hospitals and Clinics and Samaritan Health Services will work towards finalizing a definitive agreement. It’s important to note that the merger may be subject to regulatory approval before it can be officially completed. Both organizations are committed to preserving existing staff members and maintaining local governance and leadership structures throughout the transition process.
