Memorial Hospital May Partner With Bigger Hospital In Seattle Area

Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital is considering partnering with another hospital. Since late 2012, the Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees has been investigating the potential of a strategic partnership. The board has conducted informal and formal discussions with a series of possible partners with a goal of joining a strong Memorial with a strong partner. Four organizations ultimately submitted proposals: PeaceHealth, in collaboration with University of Washington Medicine; Swedish Health Services/Providence Health and Services; and Virginia Mason Medical Center.

The Memorial Board of Trustees views a strategic partnership as an opportunity for Memorial – and Yakima – to maintain access to high-quality healthcare, improve access to specialty care, advance physician recruitment and expand our financial, clinical and information systems resources. Such a partnership also ensures that state-of-the-art medicine continues in this community.

“Our primary focus is to do the right things for Memorial and our community,” said Bill Dolsen, chairman of Memorial’s Board of Trustees. “Memorial is in solid financial health and is perfectly positioned to align with a strategic partner, allowing us to build upon our strong foundation while creating a bridge to our future in a smart and efficient way. This decision is neither reactive nor out of necessity.”

“We have discovered in this process that Memorial is an attractive partner, and we will only assume a partnership if the conditions are right and if the relationship meets the goals of Memorial’s not-for-profit mission,” Dolsen said. “This decision must strengthen both Memorial and the Yakima community.”

Over the next nine to 12 months, Memorial’s Board of Trustees will be conducting more thorough investigation, through a due diligence process, with each of these well-recognized healthcare systems. Periodic updates on this process will be provided as Memorial proceeds in the months ahead.