RRH and St. Lawrence Health reach affiliation agreement

The boards of directors of Rochester Regional Health (RRH) and St. Lawrence Health System (SLHS) have reached an affiliation agreement between the two health systems.

“Our patients deserve nothing less than leading-edge health care. Partnering with Rochester Regional will allow St. Lawrence Health System to continue to elevate the standard of care delivered throughout St. Lawrence County,” said David Acker, president and CEO of St. Lawrence Health System. “The lengthy and collaborative due diligence process allowed both health systems to fully appreciate the synergies that exist, and to confirm our shared vision of bringing the highest quality health care to those who need it.”

Rochester Regional Health’s strong reputation as a regional and national leader in quality care and innovation, coupled with its focus on civic connection to the communities it serves, made RRH the clear choice for a strategic affiliation partner, Acker said.

“The agreement affirms our shared commitment to preserve and expand the high quality primary and specialty care needed in the communities St. Lawrence Health System has been serving so well for generations,” said physician Eric Bieber, president and CEO of Rochester Regional Health. “Embracing innovation, smart growth and strong fiscal performance are among the many attributes Rochester Regional Health and St. Lawrence Health System have in common.”

The affiliation agreement was approved by the boards of directors of both health systems. Next, regulatory filings will be submitted to the New York Department of Health.

Rochester Regional Health is an internationally recognized integrated health services organization serving the people of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and beyond. The system includes five hospitals; primary and specialty practices, rehabilitation centers, ambulatory campuses, and immediate care facilities; comprehensive senior care; behavioral health services; and ACM Medical Laboratory, a global leader in patient and clinical trials. It has nearly 20,000 employees.

St. Lawrence Health System, formed in 2013, runs three hospitals — Canton-Potsdam Hospital, which includes a Level III trauma center; Gouverneur Hospital; and Massena Hospital. In addition, St. Lawrence operates an extensive network of outpatient facilities in Brasher Falls, Canton, Colton, DeKalb Junction, Edwards, Gouverneur, Louisville, Massena, Norfolk, and Potsdam. The largest employer in St. Lawrence County, with 2,025 employees, St. Lawrence Health System has 195 full time medical staff members and estimated annual net operating revenue of $300 million.