SLHS and RRH Affiliation Announced

Rochester Regional Health and St. Lawrence Health System have obtained all regulatory approvals and finalized the affiliation between Rochester Regional and Potsdam-based St. Lawrence.

“This was a deliberate decision by both health systems as we looked far and wide to find a partner that culturally, financially and clinically complements us,” according to Rochester Regional President & CEO Eric Bieber. “Rochester Regional and St. Lawrence will work together to strengthen the care that is delivered in the North Country communities served by St. Lawrence Health System.”

A shared commitment 

“Rochester is committed to making its vision for high-quality, inclusive care available to as many people as possible throughout New York State. Today’s announcement is a positive step toward achieving that goal,” said Bieber.

“This relationship with Rochester Regional will allow St. Lawrence Health System to continue to elevate the standard of care delivered throughout St. Lawrence County,” said St. Lawrence President David Acker. “The lengthy and collaborative due diligence approval process allowed both health systems to fully appreciate the synergies that exist, and to confirm our shared vision for bringing the highest quality healthcare to those who need it.”

“Everyone served by St. Lawrence should expect to receive the same familiar care and quality for which we are known,” said Acker.

This affiliation will allow St. Lawrence to maintain local control, but it will give St. Lawrence access to Rochester Regional’s sophisticated electronic health record system and its innovative population health management programs. In addition, Rochester Regional has agreed to invest in capital improvements and to assist with recruiting and retaining physicians in the North Country.

“The agreement affirms our shared commitment to preserve and expand the primary and specialty care needed in the communities St. Lawrence Health System has been serving so well for generations,” said Bieber. “Embracing innovation, smart growth, and strong fiscal performance are among the many attributes Rochester Regional Health and St. Lawrence Health System have in common. We believe this partnership will benefit our employees, patients and the communities we serve.”

About Rochester Regional 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 six hospitals; primary and specialty practices, rehabilitation centers, ambulatory campuses, and urgent care facilities; comprehensive senior care; behavioral health services; and ACM Medical Laboratory, a global leader in patient and clinical trials. With nearly 20,000 employees, Rochester Regional is the region’s second largest employer. Its industry distinctions include year-after-year recognitions, including multiple Magnet® Awards for nursing excellence; and the greatest number of Beacon Awards for Excellence of any hospital system in the nation.

About St. Lawrence Health System

Since 2013, St. Lawrence Health System has been improving health, expanding access, and lowering the cost of care for the people of St. Lawrence County, N.Y. The integrated care system 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.