Major Little Rock hospitals considering ‘affiliation’

St. Vincent Health System and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) say they are exploring a potential affiliation.

The move is a result of federal and state health care reform initiatives, which UAMS and St. Vincent officials describe as creating opportunities to  improve and reduce each organizations’ health care costs.

“Like many health care systems across the country, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and St. Vincent Health System are exploring ways to strengthen their organizations to better serve the residents of central Arkansas and the state,” the two groups said in a release.

“With federal and state health care reforms moving forward, we believe there are tremendous opportunities to collaboratively improve the quality of care, reduce the cost of care, and expand access to care while preserving the history and heritage of our health systems. As a result, UAMS and St. Vincent are currently in preliminary discussions about ways that we might work together to improve health care delivery in the state,” the statement added.

A merger or collaboration is not likely in renaming either institution.

“Any affiliation that is pursued will preserve UAMS’ public identity and St. Vincent’s Catholic identity including women’s and reproductive health care services,” the statement said.

The parties are expected to officially share additional details tomorrow.