Scottsdale Healthcare And J. C. Lincoln Merging

[Kabin]

The two non-profit health systems will merge by July 31. Reportedly, it will help them be more competitive. Hopefully it works out better than another large hospital chain entering the picture. Probably a few job losses from overlapping job positions (executive, admin, etc.), efforts, and locations.

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/blog/health-care-daily/2013/04/scottsdale-healthcare-john-c-lincoln.html

[andiisme]

So far there is just an "affiliation" of the two networks. They have combined into one board but financial statements and such are separated. So far pay/benefits haven't been standardized among the two. They are however this year changing our calendar to match JCL (which has basically just affected when our online training modules need to be completed and such). I think it'll have some kinks needing worked out and there's always pros and cons to each situation, however I'm optimistic about it. The main goal in merging was to "block out Banner" from the NE area of Phoenix as well as to better provide preventative services and such and survive the changing of healthcare policy with ACA to my understanding :)

[Asystole RN]

Dignity is locking up the South and flanking Banner with Mercy and St. Joes Westgate. We're making a Banner sandwich.

I think the merger will be good for the valley. Although diversity provides competition which improves quality and drives down costs, a stronger few is better than a strong system with several dwindling outliers.