Hallmark merger stalled as Partners HealthCare studies options

Nearly a year after Partners HealthCare was forced to give up its bid to acquire South Shore Hospital in Weymouth , the state's largest health care system has yet to decide whether to forge ahead with a second stalled acquisition that could throw it into another intense debate over its size, market power, and impact on rising health care costs. Hallmark Health System, which owns community hospitals in Medford and Melrose, has been in limbo ever since the deal was put on hold early this year, losing money, waiting to finance needed upgrades, and unable to discuss a potential merger with anyone else.