An affiliation agreement between Saratoga Hospital and Albany Medical Center that officials say will create a more efficient health care system and improved access to specialty care for residents of Saratoga County, received state approval in October.
The affiliation, which is aimed at fostering a comprehensive, integrated, and cost-effective delivery system to better address the health care needs of residents of Saratoga and surrounding counties, was approved by the state Public Health and Health Planning Council (PHHPC) at its regular meeting on Oct. 6.
“Together, Albany Medical Center and Saratoga Hospital have demonstrated that partnership is good medicine,” said James J. Barba, president and CEO of Albany Medical Center. “The affiliation approved today will allow our organizations to continue to make the highest quality medical services in the region more accessible to more of our residents.”
The goals of the affiliation include optimizing clinical services and health benefits, the creation of a strong and effective long-term relationship between both hospitals, and ensuring that the charitable missions of both facilities are achieved over the long term.
“Today’s approval is the next milestone in executing our working partnership,” said Angelo Calbone, president and CEO of Saratoga Hospital. “We have worked hard to establish a relationship mutually respectful of the strengths of each institution to continue to improve and grow the patient care services we provide to our communities.”
The affiliation agreement is based on the long-standing parent model, with Albany Medical Center the active parent corporation. Saratoga Hospital remains a community-based hospital with local governance. Both organizations will have representation on each other’s boards of directors. There are expected to be no changes in numbers of beds, services, or employment at Saratoga Hospital, officials said.