Catholic Medical Center has signed a nonbinding letter of intent to explore a partnership with HCA Healthcare. The two planned exclusive discussions to evaluate a potential agreement for the Manchester, New Hampshire, hospital to join HCA Healthcare, Catholic Medical Center said in a September release.
"We have been on a journey to identify a partner that will, first and foremost, support our mission of health, healing and hope, as well as a partner who will embrace who we are as a Catholic hospital," Alex Walker, Catholic Medical Center's president and CEO, said in the release. "With HCA Healthcare, we believe we have found that partner. In addition to embracing our Catholic mission, HCA Healthcare also aligns with our core values and is committed to healthcare excellence, community service, and investing in our people and facilities."
The letter of intent is the first step in a lengthy process that includes negotiation of final terms and approvals, Catholic Medical Center said.
The release noted that Nashville, Tennessee-based HCA, a for-profit system, intends to maintain the medical center's Catholic identity and provide care in accordance with the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. The release included a supportive statement from Manchester Bishop Peter A. Libasci.