AGH Merges with TidalHealth

A definitive agreement has been signed to merge Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin with TidalHealth in Salisbury. Officials say that this merger will bring a more comprehensive range of services to residents of the Lower Shore, Sussex County and surrounding counties while continuing to drive innovation. A smooth transition is expected over the next year for patients, team members and providers. No immediate changes in staffing or delivery of healthcare at either system are anticipated.

Additional information from TidalHealth:  

The result of today’s announcement is the creation of an expanded, locally owned and operated health system designed to improve access to coordinated inpatient, outpatient and emergency care, and wellness services across the entire Delmarva Peninsula, including Sussex County, Del.

For the public and teams at both health systems, it will remain patient care as usual and appear seamless while both organizations continue “behind the scenes” to work on integrating clinical and business operations like information technology, payroll, and the conversion of Atlantic General’s electronic medical record (EMR) to Epic.

The transition to Epic will connect healthcare providers and their patients in an even more meaningful way, one that will enhance coordination and access for patients. Providers will be able to communicate seamlessly with one another when co-managing the care of their patients. The result will be smoother patient referrals to an increased number of specialty offices through comprehensive care coordination.

The partnership between TidalHealth and Atlantic General will:

• Provide Atlantic General access to an integrated electronic medical record through Epic;
• Improve the coordination of services and access to care for patients;
• Provide Atlantic General capital funding to expand services;
• Strengthen the hospital’s ability to retain and attract a high-quality workforce.

“As part of TidalHealth, Atlantic General will retain its community-focused approach to care while gaining access to the resources and capabilities of a larger healthcare network,” said AGH President Don Owrey. “This affiliation ensures that patients across Worcester and Sussex Counties continue to receive the personalized care they expect from their local hospital and providers, backed by the strength and added capability of TidalHealth. This is an exciting new chapter for Atlantic General and for healthcare on Delmarva, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on our patients and families.”