Olney hospital affiliates with Carle system

A 135-bed hospital in Olney has become a clinical affiliate of the Carle health system. Under an agreement that took effect Monday between Carle and Richland Memorial Hospital, both are remaining separate, independent organizations, but they will collaborate on some aspects of clinical care, executives of both organizations said. Carle, which has a 393-bed hospital and a 400-physician practice, is looking to strengthen and improve health care for patients traveling outside the Olney area for care and provide more care for those patients closer to home, according to Stephanie Beever, Carle's senior vice president of system strategic development.