The deal, which would integrate Flagler Health+ into UF Health, is expected to be completed by the end of September.
Just three months after first announcing plans to merge, Florida-based Flagler Health+ and the University of Florida's academic health center, UF Health, have reached a definitive agreement.
The deal, following regulatory approval, would integrate Flagler Health+ into UF Health. The process is expected to be completed by the end of September 2023.
The two health systems signed a non-binding letter of intent in February after Flagler Health+ chose UF Health as a "like-minded organization" to focus on and share a commitment to patient-centric care, a community-first approach, team member support, building physician relationships, and creating a welcoming culture.
The idea behind the merger is to expand access to care and enhance local healthcare services in northeast Florida communities. Flagler Health+ serves St. Johns County, Florida, located in the northeastern part of the Sunshine State. UF Health has two academic hospitals, one in Gainesville and one in Jacksonville, Florida, as well as other clinical locations in the northeastern part of the state. The combined system would serve Flagler, St. Johns, Putnam, Clay, and Duval counties.
Further developments, such as an updated organization mission and vision, as well as a future name and logo for Flagler Health+, are being discussed but have not been made yet.
According to an FAQ page, no significant changes to Flagler Health+'s organizational structure are planned. Patient-physician relationships and existing services are also expected to stay the same.
What the leaders are saying
"At the time we made our initial selection, we were confident that UF Health matched our longstanding commitment to our community and our dedication to our team members, providers, and patients. Our discussions in reaching this definitive agreement have cemented our initial impressions. We look forward to joining the UF Health family." — Carlton DeVooght, CEO, Flagler Health+
"Throughout our discussions, a constant has been the desire to deliver outstanding health care to the people in the area. UF Health will bring its unique capabilities as an academic health system, with technologically advanced care focused on world-class outcomes, research opportunities including clinical trials, and training programs for the next generation of care providers, to build upon the Flagler Health+ legacy of meeting the health care needs of the residents of Flagler, St. Johns, Putnam, Clay and Duval counties." — David R. Nelson, MD, SVP for health affairs at UF, President of UF Health
"UF Health is uniquely positioned to bring much-needed top-flight service to Northeast Florida and to ensure that all of the region’s residents have access to the very best health care available. Florida’s population growth is remarkable, and Flagler and St. Johns are among the state's 10 fastest-growing counties. This agreement builds on Flagler's long tradition of caring for the community and positions UF to offer the latest breakthroughs in pursuit of ensuring Floridians can enjoy the quality of life they deserve." —Ben Sasse, President, University of Florida
Melanie Blackman is a contributing editor for strategy, marketing, and human resources at HealthLeaders, an HCPro brand.