Beth Israel, Lahey Health Embark on Merger

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Lahey Health on Monday agreed to embark on what could be the Massachusetts' biggest hospital merger in more than 20 years, according to the Boston Globe.

The health systems, respectively based in Boston and Burlington, currently operate a combined eight hospitals, anchored by dual academic medical centers.

Beth Israel and Lahey leadership said Monday they've signed a letter of intent to explore combining the two systems.

After years of discussions, the systems have established a "shared governance model," which would place current Beth Israel CEO Dr. Kevin Tabb at the head of the combined system. Lahey's current Board of Trustees chair Ann-Ellen Hornidge, JD would serve as Chair of the Board of the combined system.

Not listed among the top leadership posts under the merger is Lahey President and CEO Dr. Howard Grant. According to the Globe, Grant intends to step down once the deal is completed

Tabb characterized the two systems as "engaged in ongoing discussions," and hoping to build a combined system "built on shared values and a mutual commitment to advancing care through research and education."

A combined system would see no change in approach to research or medical education, including medical school affiliations, a press release said, noting that the two systems' combination will require various state and federal reviews and approvals.

Outside Boston, Beth Israel has hospitals in Milton, Needham and Plymouth. Lahey has additional locations in Lexington and Peabody.

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