Mather Hospital Signs Letter Of Intent To Join Northwell Health

PORT JEFFERSON, NY – The John T. Mather Memorial Hospital Board of Directors of has entered into a letter of intent to join Northwell Health as part of a long-term strategy to ensure advanced healthcare for Mather’s communities and the future growth of the hospital, the hospital said in a press release Thursday.

Based on the unprecedented changes occurring in the healthcare industry, the board said it has determined that joining Northwell Health is in the best interest of the communities it serves, its medical staff and employees.

“Northwell Health is known for its innovative and progressive programs and world class care," said Kenneth A. Jacoppi, chairman of the Mather board. "This move will position us to continue our vision and mission to provide the highest standards of care well into the future."

Over the next few months, Mather and Northwell Health will work together in good faith to develop a final agreement which will require approval from both the Mather and Northwell Board of Directors as well as governmental regulatory authorities. If the process is successful, the approvals could take place by the end of 2017.

As part of an extensive search process, Mather Hospital has held discussions with several health systems regarding possible affiliation since early 2016. During this period, continuing consolidation and affiliations were occurring in our region. Prior to this decision, Mather was one of only two hospitals on Long Island that had not joined or announced plans to join a larger system.

“Our community, employees and medical staff have a deep commitment to Mather Hospital,” said Kenneth Roberts, president of Mather Hospital. “We chose a partner that would support our culture of caring as well as our future growth.”

Mather opened in December 1929 after local ship maker John T. Mather left a bequest to build the first hospital in the Town of Brookhaven. Today, Mather is recognized as a MagnetTM designated hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which recognizes healthcare organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovations in professional nursing practice. Mather is also one of two Long Island hospitals to earn four stars from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for patient experience, safety, and timely and effective care measures.

Mather Hospital has more than 2,600 employees and has more than 600 staff and affiliated physicians.

“Mather Hospital is known for patient-centric care both in the community and throughout the industry,” said Michael J. Dowling, Northwell’s president and CEO. “That deeply embedded sense of purpose is the type of quality we want to represent Northwell Health, along with an excellent staff of medical professionals and physicians. Together, Mather and Northwell will play a crucial partnership role expanding world class care and innovative patient services to Suffolk County residents.”

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