New York State approves PBMC plan to join North Shore-LIJ
Five months after the board of Peconic Bay Medical Center voted to join North Shore-LIJ, the state has given final approval for the two to merge, according to a press release.
State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker approved recommendations from the New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council to dissolve the East End Health Alliance, which includes PBMC, Southampton and Eastern Long Island hospitals.
That move frees up Peconic Bay to make North Shore-LIJ its active parent organization and become the 21st hospital in the group.
“Together, we plan to develop and expand much-needed clinical services for the 200,000 men, women and children who rely on PBMC for their healthcare needs,” said PBMC president and CEO Andrew Mitchell.
The merger will add 1,300 employees to North Shore-LIJ’s current staff of more than 54,000, The Suffolk Times reported in March.
In March, PBMC board chair Sherry Patterson said the move helps address evolving healthcare needs in the area.
“We believe this decision ensures we are capable of meeting not just the current needs but future health and wellness challenges of central Suffolk County and eastern Long Island,” she said at the time. “In addition, this agreement would establish important new regional medical services and provide long-term stability for our patients during a time of great volatility in the healthcare market.”
