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San Benito
March 18, 2024

Salinas hospital declines formal partnership with Hazel Hawkins

Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital has declined the formal strategic partnership pursued by Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital, leaving the local health care system to explore other money-saving options.

According to the announcement from Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital on Friday:

The negotiating period between Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital (HHMH) and Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital (SVMH) has closed with the two healthcare systems agreeing to continue to cooperate on behalf of patients but without deciding to go forward with a formal partnership. HHMH will continue to strategize on how to meet the healthcare needs of a rapidly growing San Benito County.

SVMH President and CEO Pete Delgado stated that SVMH looks forward to “continuing the cooperative relationship we have developed between our two hospitals over the years” and would “continue to work with Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital to support the needs of the patients in our communities.”

Currently, HHMH utilizes SVMH materials purchasing contracts to receive the larger facility’s economies of scale in purchasing supplies and equipment. HHMH will also have access to SVMH education simulation labs for employees to obtain additional expertise and training.

Looking to the future, HHMH plans to continue work toward finding a strong collaborative healthcare partner. Although the district’s finances have improved over the last several months, CEO Ken Underwood believes a partner will help the hospital reach sustainability and grow at the same pace as San Benito County.

“Our community would benefit in many ways through a partnership,” said Underwood. “The board of director’s vision for collaborating with a larger health system is aimed not only at financial heath, but also at enhancing the population health of the community, improving care of chronic diseases, using network platforms for preventative care and wellness, and adapting newer education modules to improve our staff competencies.”

Other top priorities for HHMH include enhancing local access to quality specialists and expanding recruitment of high-quality physicians locally. HHMH has a history of being proactive and adapting to meet patient needs–increasing outpatient services such as community health centers, satellite laboratories, and specialty centers. Today, more than 20 different Hazel Hawkins healthcare facilities serve the community.

About Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital

Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital is a full-service, public agency hospital delivering modern medicine and compassionate care to the growing San Benito County community. HHMH offers hundreds of health services across multiple locations, including top-tier specialists, a modern ER, and a state-of-the-art Women’s Center. To learn more about Hazel Hawkins Hospital, please visit www.hazelhawkins.com.

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