Unique Health Care System Will Serve All of Orange County and the High Desert, Becoming a National Model for Effective, High-Quality, and Compassionate Care

(Aug. 15, 2012, Orange County, Calif.) —St. Joseph Health and Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian announced plans for a new regional health care affiliation which will take bold, innovative measures to transform health care delivery, ultimately becoming a model for addressing some of the biggest challenges in American health care.

The organizations intend to form an integrated regional health system including their respective Southern California hospitals, an expansive physician network, and numerous outpatient and urgent care facilities in Orange County and the High Desert. Their shared vision includes taking action to fix fragmented systems of care, greatly improve access for the underserved, and deliver on the goal of making the region among the healthiest in the country.

“This affiliation is a catalyst to extend our mission and make a real difference in health care delivery by assuring a system of highly-connected, quality services. New access points will be developed to enhance community wellness and allow more people to benefit from the research and advanced care of a vast network of doctors, clinics, and exceptional hospitals,” said Deborah Proctor, president and CEO of St. Joseph Health. “We believe St. Joseph Health and Hoag have the foresight and expertise to address some of the greatest needs and accomplish the greatest good for Orange County and the High Desert. This is a critical step for the future of our communities that only can be accomplished by the brightest minds and the biggest hearts in health care.”

“This is a historic day for medical care in Orange County,” said Dr. Richard Afable, Hoag president and CEO. “Together, we share over a century of collective experience and a commitment to serving the health needs of people in Southern California. Our goal in forming this affiliation is transformational. Current models of medical care are too complex, too expensive, and lack the integration needed to effectively and compassionately care for people in need. It is also unacceptable that models of care are far too often out of reach for those who are most vulnerable and in need of help. Our vision – our promise – is to transform Orange County into one of the healthiest communities in California and the country. Our affiliation will
introduce innovative care processes that will improve clinical outcomes, reduce the overall cost of care, and enhance the health care experiences of all members of our community.”

Specifically, the health system leaders have identified as part of their vision:
• Clinicians will work together to achieve better clinical outcomes, make care more efficient and improve the overall patient experience
• Quality-focused, coordinated programs that will address care for the poor and underserved and fill gaps that have widened under present-day economic realities
• A focus on care extending beyond the acute hospital setting, including wellness, prevention programs, long-term care, and palliation of suffering
• Specialized health services that would otherwise require treatment outside the community
• Opportunities for partnerships with other health care participants, both traditional and non-traditional

Under the affiliation, Hoag and St. Joseph Health will retain their individual identities and faith affiliations – Presbyterian and Catholic, respectively.
In planning to work together, St. Joseph Health and Hoag recognized many similarities. They are both non-profit, faith-based health care organizations, committed to providing the highest quality, affordable, and accessible health care services in the community. Both institutions achieve this through thoughtful planning of their networks of services, fostering an environment of “best practice” health care, and reaching out to vulnerable populations through extensive community benefit programs.
The planning process is being aided by support from the community, elected officials, faith-based organizations, physicians, and hospital employees. Their support and review continue to be instrumental in this process.

The health systems entered into a letter of intent to form an affiliation. The next step is an application with the California Office of the Attorney General, which is planned for October and could require more than 100 days for a decision.