Western Connecticut Health Network, Norwalk Hospital Explore Affiliation

DANBURY — Norwalk Hospital and the Western Connecticut Health Network will formally explore how they can partner to enhance health care services across a larger area of Fairfield County and beyond.

The two organizations will study the details of working together to improve community health by delivering coordinated, effective health care. Norwalk Hospital is a 328-bed facility; WCHN includes Danbury Hospital and New Milford Hospital with a total of 456 beds.

This work is expected to take several months before each organization’s board decides on the future of the working relationship.

“We believe that, together, we can deliver the right care in the right place at the right time to our patients through an integrated network of facilities and resources,” said Newtowner John M. Murphy, MD, president and CEO, Western Connecticut Health Network. “What excites us is how much we can accomplish as partners to provide a consistent and seamless patient experience across an expanded network of sites.”

Daniel DeBarba, Jr, president and CEO, Norwalk Hospital, agreed.

“We can sustain an environment of continuous learning, discovery and innovation through medical education and research, engage our physicians to partner in these efforts as well as our patients and their families, and be responsible stewards of the community as we expand the area we serve.”

Dr Murphy and Mr DeBarba will jointly lead the study that will include reviews of clinical, community, and operational issues. “We will carefully explore what it can mean to connect two vibrant and financially healthy organizations that share common beliefs and values as well as a commitment to enhance health care services in this area,” Mr DeBarba said.

Members of the communities, patients, donors, clinicians, and employees will be invited in the coming weeks to participate in discussions about the potential of the affiliation.

“As we explore our future, each organization remains committed to delivering the high quality care we provide today,” Dr Murphy said.

“At each organization, people come to work each day with one thing in mind, to make this community a healthier place to live,” Mr DeBarba said.