CANTON, Ohio and MILLERSBURG, Ohio (May 15, 2018) – The Aultman Health Foundation and Pomerene Hospital have signed a letter of intent designed to pave the way for Pomerene Hospital to become affiliated with the Aultman Health Foundation.

The affiliation, expected to take effect in early 2019, will unite the Holmes County community hospital with a regional health care center, providing a continuum of care for the residents of Holmes County and beyond. Once completed, the agreement will bring together Aultman Health Foundation, with its tertiary medical center and its nationally recognized health care plan AultCare, with Aultman College, Aultman Orrville Hospital, Alliance Community Hospital and Pomerene Hospital.

“Joining the Aultman Health Network was a natural step for Pomerene, as we already work together in so many areas,” said Dan Mathie, chairman of the board of directors, Pomerene Hospital. “We will be joining with a partner we know and respect, and this partnership will strengthen both of us as we work together to provide the highest-quality, cost-effective, patient-centered care throughout the region.”

Aultman and Pomerene have a long-established relationship, and the affiliation of the two further cements Aultman’s vision of developing a streamlined, locally owned, coordinated system of health care services for the communities they serve. Both Aultman and Pomerene know each other well and have a mutual respect for the work they do. The organizations already share services and assist each other with best health care business practices. The two have, in fact, worked together as members of the Independent Hospital Network for more than 20 years.

“After carefully examining this affiliation opportunity, our board of directors determined that Pomerene Hospital would be a valuable partner in Aultman’s regional health care system, and that this affiliation would support our mission to lead our community to improved health,” said Edward J. Roth III, president and CEO, Aultman Health Foundation. “This will also benefit Pomerene, which will have a local partner providing the support and services of a larger health care system.”

Once the agreement is completed, Pomerene will add and expand services based on the needs of the Holmes County community. The current management team and staff will remain in place. A new Pomerene Hospital board of directors will be comprised of members selected by both the Pomerene Board and Aultman Health Foundation Board. This board structure will ensure that Pomerene Hospital has a strong voice in how the hospital serves the Holmes County community in the future.

“By joining the Aultman family, Pomerene Hospital will remain a not-for-profit, community hospital focused on its local patients, and we have learned from experience that’s good for the many communities we serve,” said Roth. “Working closely with Pomerene leadership, we’ll explore ways to enhance both organizations, improve access to care and expand services while respecting Pomerene Hospital’s important role in serving Holmes County and the surrounding communities.”

Following several months of due diligence on the part of both parties, the proposed arrangement will be submitted to the state of Ohio for review. Both boards expect to sign a definitive agreement later in 2018.