Rhode Island’s largest provider of hospice care will merge with an Eastern Massachusetts hospice provider. The deal involves Home Care and Hospice of New England, which plans to join Hope Health.
Home Care and Hospice of New England says in a statement the merger will create the largest nonprofit hospice provider in New England. The parent organization will adopt the Hope Health brand name and operate three nonprofit subsidiaries, two in Rhode Island and one in Massachusetts. That includes a visiting nurse service.
They expect to finalize the transaction early next year.
The merger comes as more large health care systems explore similar deals, many citing the need to find economies of scale and access to bigger markets. Hospice care, for patients with terminal illnesses, has become an increasingly popular option for families navigating difficult choices at the end of life.
Copyright 2015 The Public's Radio