BURLINGTON, Vt. -
Fletcher Allen Health Care and Central Vermont Medical Center saved more than $1 million after merging last year.
The two hospitals still operate separately, but merged into one financial entity in October 2011. This allows them to make bulk purchases on medical supplies and standardize clinical and administrative operations. It also allows for patients to be transferred with ease between the two hospitals, something they couldn't do before the merger.
"There actually was a situation where a patient who was waiting in our emergency room at Fletcher Allen for admission could be very safely and appropriately cared for at Central Vermont. We gave the patient the option, he was transferred there for admission because they had a couple of beds," said Dr. John Brumsted, the CEO of FAHC.
Fletcher Allen also plans to merge with CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh and Elizabethtown Community Hospital by the end of January.
