2001

1 October, 2001

CONTACT:
Jamie Finley
Summa Health System
Manager/Public Relations
(330) 375-7930 or (440)-892-9972

Shannan Ritchie
Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital
Director/Marketing
(330) 971-7023


Summa Health System and Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital have approved a Definitive Agreement to begin an affiliation relationship. According to the Agreement signed by both organizations' Board of Directors, Summa Health System has become the parent corporation of Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital effective today.

"This is the logical conclusion to discussions between the organizations' task groups," said Thomas J. Strauss, president and CEO, Summa Health System. "We are pleased to collaborate with Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital and continue the longstanding relationship between the two organizations. We view this as an opportunity to strengthen our commitment to the community."

"We are pleased to affiliate with a larger institution such as Summa, to provide our community with the best health care available," said Fred Anthony, president and CEO, Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital. "Our patients will benefit from an affiliation with Summa Health System, a nationally ranked health institution. We are strengthening our mission and commitment to the community."

"Summa has worked closely with Cuyahoga Falls for many years, and several physicians practice medicine at both organizations. This relationship will prove mutually beneficial," said Kenneth Greene, M.D., president, medical staff, Summa Health System. "Immediate benefits of the affiliation include collaborative efforts such as pain management, Easy Street rehab and the joint venture MRI."

"Summa and Cuyahoga Falls share the same values; both organizations are deeply committed to meeting the health needs of our community," said Gregory Hill, D.O., president, professional staff, Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital. "Cuyahoga Falls is dedicated to the osteopathic teaching tradition, and we know that Summa has a rich tradition in medical education. Together, we can combine for a stronger program for the community."

"We feel we can be a better health resource to the Cuyahoga Falls community by affiliating our two organizations," said Dennis Dick, president, Cuyahoga Falls General board of directors. "Our longstanding relationship will continue to collaborate in ways that benefit the community."

Ann Brennan, chair, Summa Health System Board of directors agrees. "We have greater strength and can better serve the community by working together, rather than separately. It takes us a step closer to our vision of being recognized as one of the finest health care organizations in the country."

The Agreement follows a notice both organizations filed with the Ohio Attorney General's Office to enter a nonprofit combination. Unlike a sale or merger, both organizations will remain independent. No assets or liabilities will be transferred by either organization as part of the transaction. Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital will continue to operate as a separate entity with its own board, employees and medical staff.

Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital is a state-of-the-art, acute-care facility and home to greater Akron's only CARF accredited Pain Management Center. Founded in 1944 as a community hospital, Cuyahoga Falls General is not-for-profit, teaching Osteopathic hospital. Cuyahoga Falls General is a member of the Cleveland Health Network.

Summa Health System is an integrated health care system including Akron City and St. Thomas and Cuyahoga Falls General hospitals and SummaCare, which is committed to the full continuum of health care services. Led by President and CEO, Thomas J. Strauss, Summa is the only Akron health organization to be accredited with commendation by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report for cardiology and heart surgery, respiratory disorders, neurology and neurosurgery, and orthopaedics. Akron's first Level I trauma center is also a leader in maternity services, providing level III perinatal care. Summa is a member of The Cleveland Clinic Health System and Cleveland Health Network, the largest and most comprehensive provider network based in Northern Ohio.