Raimondo meets with leaders from Lifespan and CNE Wednesday

By News Staff

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Governor Raimondo met with the parties Wednesday to begin discussions for a new system for RI hospitals, following the announcement that Partners HealhCare would be withdrawing its bid for Care New England. 

“The Governor convened an initial meeting of the parties to begin discussions of the process for creating a strong, integrated Rhode Island hospital system,” said Press Secretary Josh Block. “The parties will continue to meet regularly throughout the summer.”

Partners HealthCare  withdrew its bid for Care New England as Governor Gina Raimondo called on Lifespan, CNE and Brown University to work on a new partnership going forward.

The Governor said Rhode Island needs a locally-run academic medical center, urging the groups to meet and discuss the possibility of a new partnership proposal.

“While I have little control over private hospital systems,” Raimondo said in a statement Tuesday, “I do have the ability to bring these parties together and ask them to reconvene negotiations on a crucial decision that will impact all Rhode Islanders for decades.” 

Brown, CNE and Lifespan have agreed to meet and explore this option.

“In order to give this effort the best possible chance for success and to provide maximum flexibility to the governor and the leadership of these three institutions, we will be withdrawing our application to acquire CNE,” said Interim President and CEO of Partners HealthCare Anne Klibanski, M.D.

Partners HealthCare had been detailing plans to acquire Care New England since April of 2017.

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