Northeast Georgia Health System and Longstreet Clinic are now working towards what officials are calling a "more formal alignment structure" after an agreement announced this week.
NGHS officials say Longstreet has signed a letter of intent to pursue the more formal structure, deepening ties between the two healthcare providers that have cooperated on some level since Longstreet opened its doors more than 30 years ago.
“NGHS and Longstreet Clinic have a rich tradition of providing care across this region for generations. We share so much in common beyond geography and patients – a commitment to quality, focus on safety, a track record of innovation and more,” Carol Burrell, president & CEO of NGHS said. “Aligning more closely together would further strengthen health care for the communities we both serve and unlock more opportunities for success.”
“As one of the largest independent medical groups owned and managed by physicians in the state of Georgia, we are keenly aware of the unique challenges independent groups face in the modern healthcare industry,” Longstreet Clinic's President and Chairman Robert Richard, MD said. “Exploring a deeper operational alignment with a strong regional partner will create opportunities for both organizations to improve care collaboration between providers, enhance quality of care and provide a more seamless patient experience.”
The agreement outlines several months to outline the new structure, with a target for that structure taking effect being spring of 2025.
NGHS and Longstreet already partner in several ways, including a shared health information platform, Epic, neonatal intensive care units, oncology services and being part of the HP2 clinical network that also includes Northeast Georgia Physicians Group and the Georgia Heart Institute.
