Stony Brook Medicine and Southampton Hospital are another step closer in creating a healthcare system that will better serve the needs of Long Islanders as they move forward with a proposed affiliation agreement.
The agreement, which received unanimous approval by the State University of New York Board of Trustees, just needs the endorsement of various New York State regulatory and legislative authorities. It not only formalizes a longstanding agreement between the two hospitals, but also marks the first step in creating a regional healthcare system on Long Island — something Stony Brook has been preparing for during the last several years.
“The future of medicine on Long Island will change for the better through this affiliation,” said Kenneth Kaushansky, MD, Senior Vice President, Health Sciences, and Dean, Stony Brook University School of Medicine. “Not only will it help to expand outstanding healthcare services to the residents of the South Fork of Long Island, but by increasing clinical training sites, will serve to enhance the range of experiences of our medical, nursing and health technology learners, as well as strengthening biomedical and healthcare research, increasing the potential sites and participation in our innovative medical research studies.”
The partnership is a win-win proposition for both hospitals. There is tremendous potential to build new facilities, create new healthcare job opportunities and expand clinical services on the South Fork. At the same time, it gives Stony Brook room to grow, helps to build a strong Suffolk County-based healthcare system and advances educational and clinical missions.
In the wake of healthcare reform, also key is how healthcare resources are used. A broad, strong network allows the two hospitals to share processes, best practices, operations, new initiatives and risk. The end result should be higher quality, better coordinated care delivered efficiently, cost effectively, appropriately and close to home.
