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Geisinger taking reigns of Jersey Shore Hospital operations

JERSEY SHORE — The Jersey Shore Hospital and Geisinger Health are set to merge after a 17-0 vote by the “1987 Hospital Members” of Jersey Shore Hospital Foundation Inc. at a special meeting held at the hospital Thursday.

The transaction is expected to officially close in early July and a celebration will be held July 10, said Thomas Sokola, Geisinger Central Hub chief administrative officer, after the meeting, which was not open to the public.

Foundation, hospital and Geisinger officials initiated the integration with a Comprehensive Integration Agreement on May 10 and announced the merger May 17.

The changes to come include a new name, Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, and implemenation of new programs. Jersey Shore will keep its independent license, but Geisinger will assume all of its assets and liability, according to Sokola.

“They’ll maintain their identity, but be part of a larger system,” Sokola said.

A foundation bylaw states that at least 10 members named in a 1987 provision must congregate to vote on any changes in control of the organization. Seventeen of the 28 “1987 Hospital Members” attended the meeting and their vote was unanimous.

“The provision is so that a small group of people can’t make decisions for the hospital,” said David Shannon, president and CEO of the hospital and foundation. “It’s really a checks and balances measure.”

Because the foundation is a private not-for-profit, the meeting itself was private and closed to the press. However, Shannon and two of the voting members spoke with the Sun-Gazette directly following the meeting.

Members Betsy Crossley, CNO and former director of nursing, and Dr. Carmen Spinney, both retired, voted in agreement with the merger because they feel it’s what Jersey Shore Hospital and the surrounding community deserve.

“Jersey Shore deserves to be able to compete in the health environment,” Spinney said. “We’re glad to be a part of (Geisinger), and we hope they’re glad to be part of us.”

“A culture of caring is important to Jersey Shore Hospital and Geisinger has that culture we’re accustomed to,” Crossley added. “The community deserves that touch of caring.”

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