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N.D., S.D. health systems to merge

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Aug. 10, 2009

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Sanford Health and MeritCare Health System, two large hospital systems in the Dakotas, have signed a letter of intent to begin combining to create a large regional integrated health care system, according to a July 17 announcement.

MeritCare is North Dakota's largest health system, with sites in that state as well as Minnesota. Sanford is a network of community hospitals and clinics in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska.

The proposal includes improving health care delivery, including representatives on governing boards from across the region and letting physicians have a strong voice in the new system.

MeritCare is best known for its Heart Center, Children's Hospital and Roger Maris Cancer Center. Sanford recently received a $400 million gift for the initiation of new children's health care and research programs, including attempts to find a cure for type 1 diabetes.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/08/10/bibf0810.htm.

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