Across the country, healthcare organizations are changing, as hospitals and physician groups partner with large health systems. In Westchester, nearly all of the community
hospitals have made such alliances. Phelps, which has achieved financial stability for more than 25 years, recognizes that an ever-changing healthcare environment creates financial challenges for all hospitals. Being a member of a large, stable health system helps hospitals increase efficiency, lower operating costs and improve quality, enabling them to continue to serve the people who rely on them for their healthcare needs.
Formerly Stellaris
Phelps was previously a member of the Stellaris Health Network, which included three other Westchester community hospitals. Recognizing the need to connect with larger systems, each of the Stellaris hospitals decided to explore opportunities for partnerships with other health networks in 2013. There were a number of possible choices for Phelps, and each was carefully examined. In the end, one system stood out as the one that would benefit our hospital and our community the most.
North Shore-LIJ Health System
The North Shore-LIJ Health System shares the same commitment to community and quality as Phelps. The system’s goal, as stated by President and CEO Michael Dowling, is to “be better tomorrow than we are today,” a sentiment that Phelps supports with regard to the hospital and everyone who comes to us for care.
North Shore-LIJ considered Phelps a good partner because our hospital has long been financially stable and is highly regarded in Westchester. Importantly, the system will enable Phelps to continue to serve as our community’s hospital, as stated by Mr. Dowling: “We are committed to strengthening and expanding the clinical services that Phelps provides, ensuring that the hospital will continue to fulfill its mission as a full-service community hospital.”
New York State’s largest private employer, the system has 19 hospitals and about 54,000 employees throughout Long Island, New York City and, now, Westchester. North Shore-LIJ will support Phelps in developing services, enhancing facilities, acquiring the latest technology and expanding our medical staff. Phelps will have access to high-level expertise and knowledge and education and research opportunities.
Phelps’ success has been based on continued growth, and our partnership with North Shore-LIJ will accelerate our rate of growth while ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care.
Being Part of the North Shore-LIJ Family
Phelps’ relationship with North Shore-LIJ has just begun, but the hospital has already been embraced as part of the system’s “family.” When a major blizzard threatened in January, for example, various North Shore-LIJ departments reached out to their counterparts at Phelps, offering assistance with preparation and communication. They were even prepared to bring us an additional generator if the need arose. It is reassuring to know that the system’s experts are available to support us whenever we need them.
The Future
Being part of the North Shore-LIJ Health System will enable Phelps to participate in new healthcare models such as population health management and accountable care organizations (ACOs), initiatives that a community hospital could not undertake on its own.
The goal of these programs is to identify the most common health problems among the people we serve, and provide education and care to prevent and manage chronic diseases. Through these programs, we will deepen our connection to the community and fulfill our commitment to improving the wellness of all who look to Phelps for their healthcare needs.
