3 western Md. hospitals pursue 'affiliation'

   Owners of the hospitals in Frederick, Hagerstown and Cumberland say they're studying the possibility of joining forces for their continued stability.

 

   The announcement Thursday doesn't specifically mention a potential merger of the Frederick Regional Health System, Hagerstown-based Meritus Health and the Western Maryland Health System of Cumberland. But Meritus President Joe Ross wouldn't rule out that possibility in a telephone interview with The Associated Press.

 

   The independent, not-for-profit organizations say they're studying the merits of "affiliation and collaboration" to maintain high-quality, cost-effective health care. They call it a "potential alliance."

 

   They say they have contracted with the California-based Berkeley Research Group to conduct a feasibility study. Ross says he expects a report in 45 days that will more clearly delineate the options they may pursue.