With its offer to absorb Care New England, Boston-based Partners HealthCare of Massachusetts is forcing Rhode Island to take a clear-eyed view of its health care needs.
Partners is rightfully viewed as a world-class health care provider, and its move here could add to the resources available to Care New England’s facilities. A 2-year-old program that brings Brigham and Women’s Hospital cardiologists to Women & Infants Hospital is an example of the possibilities.
In addition, having a deep-pocketed parent could go a long way to improving Care New England’s financial health and bringing stronger competition to the market.
But as with any M&A activity in health care, the regulatory hurdles will be significant. Out-of-town ownership and management in itself is not a bad thing – CharterCare Health Partners’ California parent has invested in its Rhode Island properties and in patient care.
Partners must make a commitment to Rhode Island and make sure this is not just a deal designed to help itself but instead has the good of the Ocean State’s citizenry in mind.